Unlucky not to take his place in the 2013 Melbourne Cup after injuring a tendon, trainer Darren Weir is confident of return to Group 1 form for Puissance De Lune during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival following an impressive trial at Donald on Thursday morning.
Puissance De Lune will be geared towards the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes this spring. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Unlucky not to break through for a Group 1 victory through the 2013 spring, Puissance De Lune won the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) before finishing a close second to Foreteller in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) on September 7th.
Blocked for a run and seventh in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), the Shamardal entire again came close to breaking the drought when second to Happy Trails in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) in his only other start prior to his ill-fated appearance for 12th in the Cox Plate (2040m).
Outlining the 2014 edition of the Makybe Diva Stakes as his major aim this season, Weir told TVN he is pleased with the progression Puissance De Lune has made over his comeback to racing.
“Puissance De Lune will kick off now on Saturday week in the P. B. Lawrence before he goes to the Memsie then the Makybe Diva, which is his main aim this spring,” Weir said.
“He’s ready to go now.
“He’ll just have a quiet gallop at Warrnambool on Tuesday and a few trips to the sand dunes before he runs.
“We haven’t had an issue with his leg right from the start (of this preparation).
“Unless he pulls up poorly after today’s trial I’ve got to say everything has gone to plan from the first day back.”
Contesting an impressive total of eight wins and five minor places from just 18 competitive starts so far, Puissance De Lune began his racing career abroad in France before transferring to the care of Weir at the beginning of 2012.
A standout performer over his maiden Australian racing calendar, the four-year-old completed three race wins and one second place over five autumn starts including the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m).
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