Duby secures maiden victory at Cambridge

Duby broke through for her maiden win at Cambridge on Wednesday after taking out the Paynters’ Catering 1300.

Aided by apprentice jockey Joe Kamaruddin’s three-kilogram claim, Duby was last of the pack and six lengths astern at the 600m mark before circling the field and sailing home over the top of her rivals to win by 1-3/4 lengths.

“I’m happy with that,” trainer Jamie Richards said. “I don’t think she saw out the 1550m when chasing a hot tempo here last time. We gave her a freshen-up, a week in the paddock, and dropped her back in trip and put the full blinkers on.

“The plan was to ride her handier, but she reared when the gates opened and missed the kick. Joe (Kamaruddin) didn’t panic and got on his bike from the 600m.

“She showed a determined finish, like she did two starts back, and she won with a bit in hand. She looks a shorter course horse and I had a good chat with Joe Smithies (owner) afterwards and he said the more recent family is up to a mile.

Richards said Duby could target one of the Special Conditions Maiden races for $40,000 on 28 July at Cambridge.

Duby was destined for Monovale Farms’ New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling sale draft, however, a paddock incident put a stop to those plans.

“Duby had a paddock incident just prior to the yearling sales, so we decided to pull her out. We were also tentatively keen to retain her, keep a filly and its work out well,” Smithies said.

“We have a very good relationship with David Ellis and the team at Te Akau. Obviously, their results show that they do a great job and it’s great to be part of the country’s leading stable.

“Hopefully Duby can maintain her form and maybe target some better races. That’s what we’re after.”