Beaten favourite in his last three starts, Duma showed that he has a lot more to prove when he bounced back to win the ACE Geosynthetics Trophy at Sungai Besi today.
Duma had to give away weight all-round (with topweight 59kg) when second to Elite Prince in the 3YO Sprint Championship (1200m), then plodded home fifth to stablemate Trees Of Valinor in the 3YO Mile Championship (1600m) in June.
The Too Darn Hot galloper came up against open company in his last start but he came out just short against Pacific Warrior and Big Hearted in a Suprme B race over 1600m three weeks ago.
And the decision to remove blinkers on the four-year-old played a big part in Duma's win in the Class 3 – 1400m handicap today.
Aniki won the start but was soon passed by Shini Go, then Hurricane who led on settling down. Shimi Go was second on the outside of Hurricane at the 800m. They were followed by January, Ainki, Good Star, Emerald Lisi and Duma.
Hurricane led into the straight from Shimi Go. Aniki closed in third, ahead of the tiring January. Good Star made his move wide out but was inclined to drift inwards. Then came Emerald Lisi and Duma.
Aniki raced up to Hurricane at the 200m. Soon after Duma showed up in between them and hit the front 150m out.
Duma went best under the heavy rain to beat Aniki by 1-1/2 lengths. Good Star got going again in the closing stages, after drifting in earlier, to take third placing.
"I always have a high opinion of him and said he's going to win a big race one day," said trainer Frank Maynard.
"He stepped up to Class 3 this time. He's got a fair way to go but I think he is a very good horse.
"I took blinkers off him. He chases now and settles very well.
"For a young horse to get into the wet track wasn't easy. The last 200m (today) was very impressive. I am looking forward to the future."
"Firstly, I appreciate the owners putting me back on him (Duma)," said winning jockey Wong Kam Chong who rode Duma for the first time in the gelding's last start.
"The removal of blinkers brought the desired results.
"The rain came just as we hit the track and I think he loves the wet. So I am happy with that."
Purchased for NZ$45,000 at the Ready To Run sale in 2023, Duma has now picked up four wins and four placings in 10 starts.
