Cameron Handicap Kick Off for Duais

Edward Cummings' highly talented staying mare Duais (Shamus Award-Meerlust, by Johannesburg) will commence her Spring campaigned aimed towards the Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), by lining up in this Friday's Gr3 Cameron Handicap over 1400m at Newcastle. Successful in the Gr1 Queensland Oaks to round out her 3YO campaign, Cummings elected to start his mare this Friday as he feels she is over a few issues and, although the distance of 1400m is short of her best, she will still prove competitive. "She's a stronger horse now, moving as well as ever and I feel she's more confident within herself," Cummings said. "She's definitely maintained some form of fitness from her extended autumn and winter preparation, and I feel she's in for a big spring." With only 51kg in the Caulfield Cup, if she can get to the race in order, she looks an outstanding chance to produce her best. "The plan now is to now to go Cameron Handicap into the Hill Stakes and then two weeks into the Caulfield Cup," Cummings said. While we have to look right back to 2001 and the Shelia Laxon-trained Ethereal (Rhythm) to see the last horse to record success in the Gr1 Queensland Oaks – Gr1 Caulfield Cup double, Cummings is confident that his mare is well above average and believes she's in with a massive chance.

Duais is a bright Caulfield Cup prospect (pic: Steve Hart)