By Matt Markham
John Dunn gave up being surprised by Graduate Under Fire a long time ago.
So when the old marvel grabbed the 11th win of his career on the opening day of the West Coast circuit on Boxing Day, Dunn wasn’t at all shocked.
“It was a bit of a drop in class for him and I thought he would go pretty close,” Dunn said.
“But he’s a great old horse to do anything with and it’s a pleasure to take him to the races.”
The eight-year-old son of Courage Under Fire began this campaign with his co-owner Ray Beale but was transferred to the Dunn stable for the Coast circuit and it resulted in instant success – with all 11 of his winners coming while in the stable.
It was fitting that his latest win came at Westport as that is where he won his first race back in 2013.
In seven starts at Westport he’s won twice and placed on four occasions.
Today he’s back in action but faces a stiffer task than that which he did on Boxing Day as he steps back up into the grade with those who contested the Westport Cup including Buster Brady and Bronze Over.
His stablemate, Say My Name, won’t be there though after finishing down the track on Monday.
“I’m going to put that one down to a bad drive on my part,” Dunn said.
“He will head to Reefton now and hopefully we can get a better result. I was going to take him down to Central Otago, but I’ve canned that Idea.”
The opening of the West Coast circuit was a good day for Dunn as he drove four winners.
Two came from the stable of Dean Hunter who produced trotters, Arditi and Destiny Jones to both win while he also saluted the judge after winning with Dream To Reality for his father, Robert.
Of the team racing today though it was Returntorocknroll who Dunn rated as his best chance of the day.
“He went really good on the first day, hopefully we can get the right run and he should be hard to beat.”
Greg and Nina Hope, who produced three winners on the opening day along with stable driver, Ricky May, also have an imposing looking team engaged as they keep within distance of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen on the trainers’ premiership.
Super Selector – By Matt Markham
Race 1: Returntorocknroll, Highview Justice, Samarias Falcon, Supreme Harmony
Race 2: Reign On Me, Zoned Scarlett, Ronald J, Michelle
Race 3: Lolita Franco, American Alice, Bobby M, Franco Lamar
Race 4: Medusa, Destiny Jones, My Amour, Sarah Palin
Race 5: JJ’s Delight, Franco Tmick, Scoob Operator, Rebel Richie
Race 6: Garry’s Legacy, Helena Ideal, Li Na, Cherokee Red
Race 7: Buster Brady, Bronze Over, Johnny Eyre, Karanga Red Fantasy
Race 8: Knockmanaugh, Precious Sara, Sails, Rocknroll Nevin
Race 9: Glenisthebettor, Bettor To Be Smooth, Wobbegong, Onedin’s Delight
Race 10: Midfrew Tarpediem, Indie, Shark Attack, Dana Dawn
Best Bet: Returntorocknroll (Race 1)
Value: Medua (Race 4)
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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