By Mac Henry
As he closes in on 200 wins for the sixth time in just 11 seasons of race driving, it goes without saying that the drives of Dexter Dunn are worth following and that is certainly the case in the first quaddie at Gore on Saturday.
In the first leg (race two) he’ll be on Nerve Of Steel, previously with Stephen Doody and a winner at Manawatu three starts back. The four year old is now with Matt Saunders at Tapanui but was given a workout at Rangiora by Steve Dolan on the way south.
Nerve of Steel is third-equal highest rated horse in the mobile 1700 metre claimers and at $3000, has the third equal lowest price. Saunders has always been a dab hand with claimers and the help of Dunn can only enhance that.
The two higher rated runners, Jerry Fitz – shooting for win number 13 – and Elusive Flight – third last time in an Addington Claimer – need to go in as well.
Dunn is back aboard Justasip in the second leg (race three) and has drawn 10, or two on the second line. Last week she drew 13, was back to the 500, five wide on the turn and finished strongly. She is a member of the team of Peter Hunter who was badly concussed in a fall at Ascot Park on Sunday and a win would be popular.
From a good draw, Ellnbac is another chance
Dunn’s drive in leg three (race four) is Flying, making her race debut. Previously with Geoff Dunn, the filly trailled the leader in a three horse qualifying at Rangiora in January and ran home well, clocking better than a two minute rate for the 2000 metres trip. Dexter Dunn drove the trial winner. Flying has since been acquired by Macca Lodge and is trained by Brent McIntyre.
From the draw, the talented Ideal Breeze is also accorded a chance. After enjoying a good trip at Forbury Park, Lis Amore finished it off well and can’t be ignored, while Brent White is down from Temuka with Tanya Dana. The filly hasn’t raced since September but trialled over a mile at Ashburton on 22 April and looked good running second in a tick over 1:59.
Dunn is reunited with Jody Direen in the last leg (race five). After a year away from the track the filly resumed last week. She flew home from three back on the inner but was held up just long enough to fail by a neck.
The consistent Peter Hunter-trained Bold Ruler as usual promises to give plenty of cheek while First Son is made of sturdy stuff and could pop-up despite a difficult draw. It would be easy to dismiss the Regan Todd rep She’s A Flyin after her failure last week but with a sought after one marble this time, she is capable of bouncing back and needs to go in.
Dunn’s best all day could well be Bakari, prepared by Graeme Anderson and the winner of three from 12. In her most recent outing, at Forbury Park on 13 April, Bakari worked early to find the lead with two laps to run and was still there on straightening. Although giving in to Jimmy Mack in the run home, the three year old fought well for second.
Best at value might be The Best Christian who will be handled by Blair Orange. The Canterbury visitor is trained by Nigel Grath and went out seventh favourite last week. After trailling 3 back on the inner, the colt was carted back before the turn. Once clear, he sprinted along the poles for sixth. A better run on Sunday should be all he needs.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
