Sunday, 15 July 2012:
Clarry Conners has a Classic double in his sights with Dear Demi but is unsure of the racing future of the filly's Oaks-winning stablemate Invest.
Dear Demi is progressing well towards the Princess Series in Sydney which will be her lead-up to the VRC Oaks and Victoria Derby, but Invest is yet to return to training following her Queensland winter campaign.
The Group One Australasian Oaks and Group Three Doomben Roses winner finished among the tailenders in the Group One Queensland Oaks on a heavy track in June, injuring her back in the process.
"She hurt her back in the Oaks and had to have acupuncture to the sacroiliac joint," Conners said.
"Her back was sore and (owners) Newhaven Park will decide whether she comes back into work or is retired.
"They've just got to see how she recovers."
Invest's win in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in May broke a five-year Group One drought for the popular Warwick Farm trainer.
The John Singleton-trained Dear Demi won the Listed Fernhill Handicap (1600m) during the Sydney autumn before beating all but champion two-year-old Pierro in the Group One Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Conners said Dear Demi was set to resume in the Group Three Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm on August 25.
"I'll have her ready for that," Conners said.
"She'll probably contest the Princess Series in Sydney and then go to Melbourne for the Oaks.
"She did nicely in her spell. She went to Strawberry Hills and had a nice bit of R and R."
While he has high ambitions for Dear Demi, the Warwick Farm trainer is looking to target carnival races with Satin Shoes and Dee'n'gee who are also back in work.
The highlight of Satin Shoes' three-year-old spring was her third in the
Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington behind Sepoy and Foxwedge.
The filly had a mixed autumn and was spelled after beating just one runner home in the BTC Cup.
Rising five-year-old Dee'n'gee was a late bloomer, hitting his straps in the summer and autumn with five wins from seven starts.
