Don’t Doubt Dory set to resume at Caulfield for trainer Julien Welsh and jockey Carleen Hefel

Julien Welsh’s eight-time winner Don’t Doubt Dory will make his racing return at Caulfield on Saturday after overcoming a pelvic stress fracture.

Don't Doubt Dory, ridden by Carleen Hefel, wins the Wangaratta Cup in March. Picture: Jay Town / Racing Photos

Renowned horseman Julien Welsh’s best horse and jockey will be reunited at Caulfield on Saturday.

Comeback galloper Don’t Doubt Dory, to be ridden by star apprentice Carleen Hefel, will resume in the 1400m Open Handicap after nine months off the scene.

Don’t Doubt Dory, an eight-time winner including at Flemington, sustained a pelvic stress fracture after winning the Wangaratta Cup last March.

"Here's Dory!"

Don't Doubt Dory charges home to take out the Wangaratta Cup for Julien Welsh 🏆 pic.twitter.com/aDmkMe1StO

— Racing.com (@Racing) March 4, 2023

Welsh, a sought-after horse educator and expert in barrier rogues and cantankerous yearlings, has slowly built up Don’t Doubt Dory since he returned from a horse and cart trek to Rockhampton.

The Fiorente gelding, who has amassed career prizemoney of $477,750, has jumped out three times the past six weeks, improving with every outing – but not quickly enough for Welsh’s original kick-off point.

“I wanted to run him in the Werribee Cup (last Sunday) but he was not quite ready – he’s been out so long it’s taken me a fair bit to get him (fit). I missed out on that so I’ll go 1400m first-up,” Welsh said.

Wishing @NedsAus Peninsula Cup winner Don't Doubt Dory the best of luck in tomorrow's Cranbourne Cup! Julien Welsh's stable star won his way in to tomorrow's race thanks to his slashing victory at #Mornington on October 31. @CranTurfClub. pic.twitter.com/OKJOgtLoqS

— Melbourne Racing Club (@MelbRacingClub) November 12, 2021

“He’s come back in at an ordinary time of year because a lot of the country cups are over, but that was out of my control – he had a bit of an issue after the Wang Cup and it took him four months to get over it.

“Over 1400m in that grade, an open handicap, they might be a bit quick for him but if we get a wet track I would think he could run pretty good.”

Despite limited phone reception on the four-and-a-half month journey to North Queensland, following old stock routes behind his draft horse Hank, stock horse Dusty and Nookie, the blue heeler, riding shotgun, Welsh kept tabs on champion apprentice Hefel’s rise in Melbourne riding ranks.

“She’s done a great job, all credit to her. When I can get her I get her but opportunities arise when you’ve got good stables and good horses to jump on. I don’t hold her back, that’s for sure,” Welsh said.

Trainer Julien Welsh and jockey Carleen Hefel celebrate Don’t Doubt Dory’s Wangaratta Cup victory in March. Picture: Jay Town / Racing Photos

“She’s a really good race rider, she’s got a really good race brain and she’s now getting stronger and stronger – it takes a while for girls to really strengthen, you notice her now she’s a lot stronger in her finishes and a lot more balanced. It takes time, it’s not something that happens overnight, you get your odd one that can pick it up straight away.

“As far as her race brain, it’s as good as anyone. I love the way she positions her horses, she’s really calm, she doesn’t panic, she’s gives them every chance and when you’re on the good horses and you do that, you get a result.”

Welsh and Hefel will also combine on Wednesday with Bon Appetit, a $1.60 favourite with TAB in a 2400m maiden at Mornington.

Originally published as Don’t Doubt Dory set to resume at Caulfield for trainer Julien Welsh and jockey Carleen Hefel