Gondokoro Likely To Miss Spring Racing Carnival

Trainer Pat Carey revealed today that talented filly Gondokoro is likely to miss the 2013 Spring Racing Carnival.

The rising four-year-old was touted as a Melbourne Cup (3200m) contender after her impressive victory in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm in June but Carey does not want to risk the health of the daughter of Zabeel, who was given a testing autumn and winter campaign.

Queensland Oaks winner Gondokoro is expected to miss the Spring Racing Carnival. Photo by: Daniel Costello

Gondokoro kicked-off her year with two runs in Melbourne before travelling to Sydney where she finished fourth behind Norzita in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and third behind Royal Descent in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m).

She was taken to Queensland in May and finished second behind Dear Demi in the Group 3 The Roses (2000m) before her victory in the Queensland Oaks and fifth place finish against the colts in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m).

After such a long campaign, Carey believes a lengthy break will be best for the long-term development of Gondokoro.

“Gondokoro has gone home to Perth,” Carey said on Racing Ahead.

“She had a tough late autumn and early winter, with five runs at a mile and a quarter and beyond.

“It was a pretty tough assignment and we took the view that it might just be better for her to miss the spring and take advantage of the spring season to help develop her for the autumn.”

Gondokoro’s stablemate Ethiopia, who pulled up sore when running in the 2012 Melbourne Cup, has also spent the winter break in Perth but is set to return to Carey’s stable in Mornington within the next fortnight.

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.