Belinda Dunn’s experience in rehabilitating injured horses has paved the way for stable newcomer Enotis to make his long-awaited return to the races.
The former Hawkes Racing-trained galloper has not been sighted since August last year but is set to resume in Saturday’s Magic Millions Digital Handicap (1500m) at Caulfield Heath.
Enotis was secured for just $4500 through an online sale in May, with Dunn immediately embarking on a patient rehabilitation process.
“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.”
Enotis has completed four jump-outs in preparation for his return, beginning at Pakenham in late October and most recently stretching out over 1000 metres on Tuesday.
“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 relocated from Tatura to the Yarra Valley earlier this year and regularly travel to Pakenham for faster work, using their own 11-acre property for slower conditioning.
Dunn praised the training facilities at Pakenham, particularly the regular access to jump-outs.
At 66, Dunn still rides work herself, handing the reins to others for jump-outs, while Thomas Stockdale will partner Enotis on Saturday.
Dunn admits the gelding has quickly become a favourite around the stable.
“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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