Trainer Frank Maynard has been in the game long enough to know a good horse.

After Duma went unbeaten in two starts last year, the Australian declared then that he was looking forward to the big races this season with his charge.

Duma kicked off the 2025 season with back-to-back second placings, beaten a neck on both occasions. Then came a dismal run last time out when he beat one home.

But Maynard is not one to lose sleep on that one performance. He found the solution: put blinkers on Duma.

Donning the gear for the first time, Duma ran his rivals off their feet in the RM150,000 NZB 2023 Ready To Run Sale Graduate Cup (1400m) at Sungai Besi today.

Bold Runner and newcomer Campionessa were the firsts to break but it was Joyee Go who surged to the front on settling down to lead from Achilles Pegasus, Bold Runner and Campionessa.

Duma was attempting to make up ground behind them when he had to check and dropped back to midfield.

Joyee Go held a clear lead at the halfway stage with Achilles Pegasus, Bold Runner and Dream Ma in a line behind the pacemaker. Achilles Pegasus came next, just ahead of Duma who now settled nicely on the rails sixth.

Joyee Go led into the straight but with the field fanned out making the home turn, Duma found a dream run on the inside of the pacemaker and drew level at the 400m. Bold Runner was just on their outside.

Duma soon surged ahead and started to pull away from the rest to win by 4-3/4 lengths. Trees Of Valinor, a recent transfer to Maynard, flashed home to beat Rocky Pegasus in a photo-finish for second.

“The blinkers made the difference,” said Maynard after the race.

“It was a very good win. I am very happy with him.

“He will head for the Selangor Gold Cup (1600m on Sep 14). He will probably have another race before then.

“I think he is right up there with them. He showed a lot of heart and it was a  good win despite a bit of a check.”

“I had a check making the first corner and as a result found myself taking the rails run which was more comfortable,” said jockey Nuqman Rozi.

“All the while he (Duma) had plenty in the tank.

“I was confident throughout because he has run over the distance (1400m) and I had a prior experience riding the horse.”