Edward Cummings confidence levels went up a notch when Hugh Bowman locked in to ride Duais in Saturday’s $1 million Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.
The young Hawkesbury-based trainer within two weeks went from having his first city winner to winning a Group race when Duais took out the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last Saturday.
“She’s untapped and Hugh Bowman chased her, why wouldn’t I have a level of confidence,” Cummings said.
“We haven’t got anywhere near the bottom of her and she’s already here.
“She’s a natural staying type and has arguably the best rider in Australia barracking for her and he put his hand up to ride her.