Darren Weir is adamant Puissance de Lune is on track for his Spring Racing Carnival targets despite defeat in today’s Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. The popular grey, the pronounced favourite for the Emirates Melbourne Cup in November, was edged out by Foreteller in the 1600m $350,000 event.
It was the import’s first try and Group 1 level and Weir was satisfied with the effort.
“It would have been better for Gerry (Ryan, owner) and everyone if he won the Group 1, but he’ll get plenty more chances,” the Ballarat trainer said.
“He still ran well and everything’s good for going forward. He’ll have a good healthy blow and take good benefit from it.”
Puissance de Lune settled in the second half of the field and improved into the race impressively in the straight but narrowly failed to withstand the finishing burst of Foreteller, who trailed him into the straight.
Weir said Glen Boss, Puissance de Lune’s jockey, reported that the grey felt the pinch nearing the line.
“He just said he was out on his feet the last 100, but he really tried right to the line,” he said. (racing victoria).