A proven ability to nurse injured horses back to full fitness has encouraged Belinda Dunn to take on Enotis, who returns from a lengthy layoff this weekend.
The four-time NSW winner is set to resume in Saturday’s Magic Millions Digital Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath, his first run since August last year.
Dunn purchased Enotis for $4500 via an online sale in May and immediately set about a careful rehabilitation program.
“He had a tendon injury, and we like fixing horses that have had an injury, and we have done well with them,” Dunn said.
“We do all the rehab work. Lots of slow work, a bit of time off, and he’s gone through all the checks and he’s right to come back to the races.
“My husband, Paul Dunn, is an old trotting guy, and he’s very good with tendons.
“The best part of this horse, he did the Sydney leg (offside foreleg), so there won’t be as much pressure being put on that leg going the Melbourne way.”
The gelding has had four jump-outs at Pakenham since late October, with his most recent outing coming over 1000 metres earlier this week.
“After his first jump-out he dropped 12 kilos,” Dunn said.
“He had a bit of weight on him when he came in, but he came in great order. He’s happy to be back but I think he’s a run short and will get a lot of benefit from it.
“I think he’ll run a nice race, but having such a long time off, you’ve always got to say his race fitness is not there yet.”
The Dunns moved their operation from Tatura to the Yarra Valley this year and now balance training between their own property and the Pakenham facilities.
Dunn said access to jump-outs and the quality of the Pakenham track were major positives.
Still riding trackwork at 66, Dunn hands over jump-out duties and will rely on Thomas Stockdale to pilot Enotis on race day.
The trainer has clearly taken a shine to her new recruit.
“He’s the biggest dude, this horse. All he needs is a comb and a mirror, and he’d be fine,” she said.
“He’s a lovely horse.”
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