by Matt Markham
John Dunn isn’t getting too far ahead of himself, but you can tell he’s getting excited about the future of Alta Orlando.
And based on what the former Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen trained pacer managed to do as a young horse and the manner in which he has returned to form since joining the stable of Dunn’s father, Robert, it’s hard not to see why.
The big pacer made light work of a 20 metre handicap on Sunday to claim a dominant victory in the Nelson Cup – leaving a handy field of pacers in his wake in the process.
“I don’t think he could have gone much better,” Dunn said.
“He was really travelling off the back straight and just wanted to run, he’s got a really big motor.”
The Courage Under Fire gelding, who is now five, won the Welcome Stakes at two and was regarded as good enough to start favourite in the Sires’ Stakes Final on Cup Day that was won by subsequent Miracle Mile winner, Have Faith In Me.
Injuries curtailed most of his juvenile career and he was almost forgotten about until he stepped out in the Dunn colours under the new ownership of Dunn’s wife Jenna, Robert Dunn, Mitzi Taylor and Dr Marg Evans.
He’s been a real work in process for the stable since his arrival, but there’s never been any doubting the ability.
“He just gets a bit hot-headed and fired up at times, especially with the standing starts, but he’s getting better every time.
“When they can run like he can you are a little more forgiving with some of the bad tendencies.”
Alta Orlando will head to this Sunday’s Marlborough Cup – bypassing the Prelude on Friday.
“I think starting off a big handicap over 2300 metres would make it almost impossible for him to win so we are better off going straight into Sunday.
“I might nominate him for Friday just in case they are light in numbers, but it’s unlikely he will start.”
Long term a race like the Easter Cup may be a possibility for the horse.
It was a big weekend for Dunn who won eight races in the sulky over the two days of racing.
Six of those came from his father’s stable while he also picked up wins on Muscles Galore and Tattinger Rose.
“It was a good weekend, everything fell into place.
“I wasn’t happy with a couple of my drives though, but hopefully the run can continue.”
Tattinger Rose’s victory was particularly poignant as the dour mare has now been retired to stud.
Trained in Nelson by Ian Thomas, yesterday was her first victory on her home track after 17 efforts.
Dunn is enjoying a few days in Nelson with his family before relocating over to Blenheim for their two-day meeting this weekend.
The Marlborough Harness Racing Club are offering an extra $100 incentive to connections of horses who travel through the Lewis Pass to attend the meeting after the Kaikoura Earthquake made the trip to the region significantly longer.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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