TRAINER Jane Duncan only has half a dozen horses in work right now – and she has entered five of them for runs in this weekend’s bet365 Swan Hill Cup Carnival.
They will include two first timers – Roughnut and We Want Eazy – who are guaranteed a start in the maidens.
Duncan says they have trialled well and she is very hopeful they will realise their own potential when they race.
She says she also has her four-year-old gelding The Stock Route lined up for a BM0-58 over the mile, while her veteran nine-year-old mare Testa Life will be looking to add to her seven career wins (and 18 placings).
“But I think the pick of my team will be Short and Stout on the Sunday, who had a jump-out the other week and looked really good,” Duncan says.
“She is four now but has only had four starts – for three seconds and a third. She is knocking so hard on the door she must be ready for that first win.”
Duncan adds she has been full-time training for the past 15 years, even though it had never been her intention to find a job demanding a 3.30am start – and “it’s more cold than warm this week”.
She also says if she wasn’t doing all her own trackwork with those 3.30am starts she doubts she would be viable in the long-term.
“As a full-time trainer I know this industry can be tough and demanding, but I love it, I doubt you would do it otherwise,” Duncan says.
“The last time I had winners on Cup weekend was back in 2017, with House of Stars and Don’t Have To Yell – and nothing since then.
“So I am hoping if all the ones I nominated get a start I’ll be looking at another carnival winner for the stable.”
