Weir hoping flying will help cure travel woes for his stable

DK Weir
Darren Weir is looking towards a strong showing at the Goodwood Stakes, despite an unlucky week. Picture: Racing.com

CHAMPION Victorian trainer Darren Weir will only fly his horses north for Saturday’s Doomben Cup meeting in Brisbane after two of his best sprinters developed travel sickness.

Weir is taking three horses, including $4.40 Doomben Cup favourite Articus, up to Queensland via plane after a drama-filled weekend on Doomben 10,000 day.

Weir pair El Divino and Sooboog were both scratched from the Doomben 10,000 after they became ill on Friday after being floated up from Victoria.

Weir said both horses are unlikely to race again this campaign.

“Sooboog’s still a bit crook and the other one (El Divino) is definitely on the improve, but I’d be surprised (if he raced this campaign),” Weir said.

The trainer said that while he does not regret driving the horse’s up to the sunshine state, he will not allow history to repeat itself this weekend.

“I won’t be floating this weekend but I wouldn’t change a thing that we did – I mean we did everything right. It was just one of those unfortunate things that happen.”

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The premature conclusion to Sooboog’s campaign could spell the end of racing for the son of Snitzel.

The four-year-old is due to stand at Kitchwin Hills Stud in the Hunter Valley from next season.

Despite the latest drama for the Weir camp, the Victorian master-trainer still has his sights set on joining the elite.

After claiming his eighth group one race of the season following Volatile Mix’s success in the South Australian Derby last Saturday, Weir could end the weekend with his wins at the elite level in 2016/17 in double figures.

Weir takes $3.00 favourite at Ladbrokes.com.au Black Heart Bart into the Group One Goodwood Stakes in Adelaide, while Sportsbet.com.au has his trio Articus ($4.40), Amelie’s Star ($11) and Star Exhibit ($11) all as chief elects in Saturday’s Group One Doomben Cup in Brisbane.

There are no guarantees his runners will even make it to Queensland for Doomben Cup day, but Weir is characteristically optimistic that all the chips will fall into place for Saturday.

“I’ve got six to go up to Brisbane and hopefully we’ll get a few on the flight on Tuesday and then the others can go either Wednesday or Thursday night,” the trainer said.

“But all we can do it just wait on the flights and see what happens.”

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