Doctor Zous on target to defend Cairns Newmarket crown

By Glenn Davis

Caloundra trainer Darryl Hansen is hoping it’s a case of deja vu when Doctor Zous attempts to defend his crown in the Newmarket Handicap in Cairns on Saturday.

Doctor Zous finished second to Master Jamie in last year’s Cleveland Bay Handicap at Townsville before taking out the Cairns Newmarket at his next start.

The seven-year-old has followed a similar path this year after finishing second in the Cleveland Bay Handicap behind the Lindsay Gough-trained Wren’s Day at Townsville’s Cluden Park on August 6.

Hansen will be double handed in the Newmarket Handicap with Bombasay joining his stable-mate in the 1400 metre feature.

“They’re both going great but I have to favour Doctor Zous on his current form,” Hansen said.

“Doctor Zous has pulled up well after his Cleveland Bay run.   

“There were no real excuses for his defeat after he got exposed too early.

“He only got run down in the last stride and he would nearly have won had Marway fought on for a bit further.”

Hansen also expects a strong showing from Bombasay despite the seven-year-old’s last start effort in a Class 6 at Townsville on August 4.

“He was first emergency for the Mackay Newmarket and never got a run,” he said.

“He came out and won by four lengths a few days later in Rocky.

“He had to lump 64kgs at Townsville last start and drew the car park and had no luck at all.

“The Cairns Newmarket and Cairns Amateurs Sprint look ideal races for him.”

Hansen has been a regular visitor for the winter carnivals in Central and North Queensland over the past 20 years. 

He has won has five Rockhampton Newmarkets, a Mackay Cup and Townsville Cup but is yet to win the Cleveland Bay Handicap.

“I’ve won most of the big races up north but I’m yet to win the Cleveland Bay after running second three times with Luxford and twice with Doctor Zous,” he said.

“I only sent three horses north this year and it’s been a worthwhile exercise again as Gamboa won in Rocky last month.”