After three starts Teddy chases Group 1 glory

Working towards his first preparation earlier this year, harness racing trainer Shawn Grimsey admits he did not think Teddy Disco was going to win a race as a two-year-old.

So, the Tamborine-based trainer continues to be surprised that the up-and-comer will be favourite for a Group 1 race just three starts into his young career.

Grimsey describes the Tintin In America gelding as a constant improver, despite not quite understanding just why his emerging pacer is continuing to lift the bar.

Teddy Disco has two wins under his belt from three starts, running second in the other trip to the races, and will start as the favourite in Saturday’s Group 1 Garrards Yearling Sale Series for two-year-old pacers at Redcliffe.

Teddy Disco’s rise has impressed even his own trainer

“I did not think he would win a race as a two-year-old,” Grimsey admitted.

“He seemed to have enough speed but he just was not interested, he was not very competitive early on.

“But, for whatever reason, he has changed that.

“I wish we knew what has got him going since those early days.”

Grimsey noted that Teddy Disco’s mother, Three Jewels, had ability as a two-year-old but did not reach her potential after encountering a few problems in her career, while also saying Teddy Disco’s showed promise, also.

Grimsey, who has six in work at his Tamborine stable, says leading driver Nathan Dawson, who drove his 1000th winner earlier this year, has an outstanding association with Teddy Disco – being in the sulky in his two wins.

“Teddy Disco has been a surprise how he has gone; we are super happy with him as every time we put a bridal on him, he improves,” Grimsey said.

“You cannot ask for much more than that.

“His work continues to improve it home after the educational stuff.

“There is nothing to suggest he will not continue to improve, even at home, his work improves all the time.”

Barry Grimsey, Shawn’s father, bred Teddy Disco at his property and owns the exciting juvenile.

Teddy Disco went through the Redcliffe Yearling Sales before he was purchased back by Barry Grimsey.

The Garrards Redcliffe Yearling Sale Series final is a race the stable has had success in over the years, with Designer Style winning it in 2014.

Grimsey, already a Group 1 winner earlier in his career with Wicked Style, noted that Teddy Disco is shaping up as a better horse than Designer Style.

“It would be exciting to win this race,” Grimsey said.

“It would be good to win for my parents as well as my dad owns him.”

The field for Saturday’s Group 1 at Redcliffe was decided following two heats held last Friday.

As of Thursday afternoon, Teddy Disco has been installed as a $2.15 favourite to claim the feature.

As the TAB Queensland Constellations carnival heads to The Triangle this Saturday, the meeting will also include the Redcliffe Cup, with $50,000 and Group 2 status on offer, while the Redcliffe Derby will also be run, with a top field assembled for the race.

See the fields here.

by Jordan Gerrans for Racing Queensland