KEY POINTS:
SANDOWN - Trainer Danny O'Brien will be have to rely on Douro Valley in today's group three A$100,000 ($115,000) Eclipse Stakes at Sandown after star stablemate Valedictum was yesterday ruled out of the race with a tendon injury.
O'Brien said Valedictum reinjured the tendon, which last autumn restricted
his campaign to only two runs and prevented him from contesting the group one Futurity Stakes at Caulfield.
"He's had a recurrence of a tendon injury he had back in the autumn so he will probably miss the whole autumn next year and come back in the spring," O'Brien said. "There is a little bit of heat there so he is out."
Douro Valley has had four runs for O'Brien this spring since switching from the Peter Moody stable but wide barriers have hindered his campaign.
He drew the outside when beaten less than three lengths by Polar Bear in the HKJC Plate at Flemington and again last start when a fast-finishing third to Special Voyage in the China Bowl at Ararat.
"He's been racing well but was drawn 12 of 12 with 59kg last start at Ararat and drew 14 of 14 at Flemington," O'Brien said.
Douro Valley has drawn towards the centre of the field in barrier 10 for today's 1800m race and O'Brien is hopeful Michael Rodd can get the favours.
"Hopefully with the better draw he can get a better run in the race and be right in the finish," O'Brien said.
Douro Valley was on the eighth line of TAB Sportsbet markets at $15 while the Lee Freedman-trained Valkyrie Diva remained favourite at $4.20.
Freedman considered using blinkers on Valkyrie Diva today but was unhappy with the way she worked in them during the week and decided against making any changes to her gear.
"We are just going to rely on the fact that I've kept her fresh and her form at Sandown is excellent," Freedman said.
From two runs at the track Valkyrie Diva has posted a win and a second and she goes into the Eclipse after finishing fourth to Brom Felinity in the group two Hilton International Stakes (2000m) for mares at Flemington on November 11.
Freedman said barrier three and her 53.5kg handicap were other factors in her favour.
"I realise it is a step up in grade this week but she is nicely drawn and she seems to have held her condition well," he said. "I think she has got a chance in a tough race."
* Today's Queensland Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm will be run for the last time in November. It will be re-programmed towards the end of the Brisbane winter carnival from next year.
- AAP