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Cumani opts to swerve Queensland Derby

Talented Matt Cumani-trained stayer Khoekhoe (Turffontein) is set for a spell and to be gelded.

Cumani told Racing.com he had decided to end the Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) hopeful's preparation early following a three-length defeat in the Rough Habit Plate (Gr 3, 2000m)

The early finish will give Cumani plenty of time to get the horse back for the spring, but he is still mulling over a program for next preparation.

"He is just winding down in the stable now. He will go to Kolora Lodge probably (Thursday) or Friday," Cumani said.

"We are going to geld him and give him a bit of a break, four to six weeks, before bringing him back to Victoria and have a little crack at the spring.

"I’m open-minded about things with him (for the spring). If we can get him back for the 1700-metre Listed race, the Heatherlie at the end of August, that might be a place to kick off but it might come around a bit quick as well.

"We are open-minded about his distance, although I thought his last run confirmed to me he wants 2400 metres."