Let’s Rock ‘n’ roll: Dunn eyes cup win
A POOR barrier for Saxton Rock in the $150,000 Coffs Harbour Cup (1600m) on Thursday had Matt Dunn down for a short while – then he started looking at the positives.
Dunn hasn’t forgotten the Snitzel six-year-old’s venture to the track in April, 2018, when he won over 1400m on a soft 7 track.
It’s taken quite a while to get Saxton Rock back to the track but it will be worth the wait if he takes home the club’s biggest race.
He will have to do it from barrier 14 with Matthew McGuren on again after they combined to take out the Maclean Cup (1400m) last start.
“It (barrier) is not great but I think that start is OK and he can probably take up a spot,” Dunn said.
“I really want to take him there because he’s won there on a soft track and it’s such a huge advantage. It’s a funny track when it’s wet. Most horses can’t go on it but he can. It’s one of those tracks that they work really hard through.”
Saxton Rock has been working up to a mile nicely and while he hasn’t won in five attempts at the trip, he has placed three times.
“He just needs a few favours. He’s going really well,” Dunn said. “He’s been really good right through his preparation. He’s one of those horses that is always going to do it, it’s just a matter of when and this race is a really good opportunity.
“It’s the right race for him and there’s nothing you can do about the gate.”
Tivoli Street is another horse that Dunn is looking forward to watching.
The Lonhro seven-yearold will run in the Daniel Baker Sprint (1200m) and is first-up off two nice trials, including a win last time out in a heat at Lismore over 1000m.
Tivoli Street hasn’t won first-up yet but has run second twice in fresh runs and is pleasing the stable.
“He’s going really well and he gets through the ground very well, too,” Dunn said.
“He’s come back bigger and better than ever.”
Ready For Danger will be chasing a win in the Ken Howard Cup (2000m) and he’s run ninth and sixth over 1350m and 1666m. His last win was in the $125,000 County Classic (2000m) at Rosehill in November.
He will sit off the speed and be hitting the line well but Dunn feels he might be a better winning chance next time out.