Victorian trainer Darren Weir has told RSN radio that former Melbourne Cup favourite Puissance De Lune will return to his stables on May 1, after overcoming a tendon issue during the 2013 Group 1 Cox Plate.
Weir said that the French import would “begin a rehab program” as he returns to racing.
“He appears to be over his leg issues and I can’t wait to have him back,” said Weir.
The big grey stallion is an unexpected return to the track, given his prospects at the breeding barn. However, owner Gerry Ryan has been resting the horse at Nagambie, and wants him to return to the track before a career at stud.
The prospect of a Melbourne Cup win and subsequent benefit for his stud value is the most-likely reason for his return.
Puissance De Lune was a short priced favourite for the 2013 Melbourne Cup, after winning the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in late 2012 for jockey Glen Boss, who had massive raps on the horse.
The star stayer went on to win the Group 2 Peter Lawrence Stakes and was narrowly beaten in the Group 1 Makybe Diva and Turnbull Stakes before suffering an injury during the Cox Plate.
The campaign embarked on by Darren Weir was queried by many commentators, with the horse clearly aimed at the Melbourne Cup, but travelling via an unusual path.
None of the 64 winners of the PB Lawrence Stakes (formerly known as the J.J. Liston Stakes) have gone on to win the Melbourne Cup.
In the end, he was never tested in the 3200m race.
Could 2014 be his chance? Bookmakers haven’t yet framed him in their markets, but word to the wise – they bagmen made a fortune last year, with punters backing him Ante Post at relatively short odds many months out from the race. Most didn’t get their money back when he was scratched.
We await to see Weir’s plans.
Sammy
Guest
If he does come back he can't possibly race on firm tracks with the issues he's had - tendons, knee chips etc. Psychologically, I think it would be hard for the horse to really let down if he feels the ground. Shame he wasn't around during the Sydney Autumn as I think the softer tracks would have suited him.
michael steel
Guest
The return of Puissance De lune will be good for racing. I would like to see Glen Boss on board and a Group 1 win. As for backing the horse, considering the tendon injury, that's wait and see.
Bondy
Guest
Drew You must on a share in Cornrow I would have written you a ticket at 50/1 to clean my out ,he'll furnish into a nice 3 yr old I believe . He was never going to win that race the Sires he was beaten officially 12.3 lengths in the Slipper stewards report was failed due to track conditions what he was doing in the Sires is anyone's guess. I would've pulled the pin after the Slipper knowing of the fore coming weather. Good luck for the weekend.
Drew H
Guest
Yes, all good, but hard to explain. It would appear that if one person says something then it can be considered to be relevant, but if someone else says something then it can be considered to be MISLEADING INFORMATION beyond the point of being choice of vernacular style. I don't know. I will stick to the ROAR for as much good info as I can get. I missed a bit of good racing but did back Cornrow eachway in the Sires*. (I managed to get on). Interesting ride by Cassidy. The 3rd reminds me of Kathy's ride on My Middi in 2006. ie. desperate but missed out, both 3rd in the Todman & Sires. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioJyLSOyIq4
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Well said Bondy!
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Hope you're alright mate!
Drew H
Guest
I'm happy to give PDL a bit of cheer. I normally like a win on the punt, but occasionally I will act like a groupie too. (it's good to be back online. I had a 'periodic' appointment to attend)
Bondy
Guest
Rich Would you have a tip for the weekend ?.
Rich Bookey
Guest
bookies dream horse. Good one Bossy put unwanted pressure on another one!
Bondy
Guest
Name changes to races continue to throw punters without acknowledgement of the Liston Stks I'd have no idea what that race was. Good luck to Puissance he would have to step up a gear regardless of injury and to Gerry who tips a hell of a lot of money into numerous sports throughout the country he deserves it.