Dixon duo chase Southern riches

This time, no chances will be taken. Because rather waiting on flights to arrive and take off on time, they’re hitting the road less travelled. Grant Dixon, the reigning Australian harness trainer of the year will venture south of the border as he attempts to qualify his pair of talented three-year-olds Get In The Groove and Frankie Rocks for Sydney features in the coming weeks.

The Gr.1 $200,000 New South Wales Oaks and Derby are scheduled for Sunday, February 28 at Tabcorp Park Menangle with qualifying heats set to be staged eight days earlier.

And after being left stranded on the tarmac last month when preparing for a tilt at the Victoria Derby, Dixon will travel by road and eliminate any potentials risks.

“Our travel plans didn’t quite go to plan for Melbourne so we’ve made some subtle changes and we’re keen to get down there and see where we stand on the big stage, both horses have displayed good ability and have current winning form so a trip south is warranted. Obviously we’ll be meeting some outstanding talents but I think both horses will perform well all being equal.” Dixon said.

The obvious hurdles for the Dixon duo and all competitors for that matter will be the freakish New Zealand trained performers Our Waikiki Beach and Our Dream About Me.

Both remain unbeaten for Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen.

But the Queenslanders are heading south in top shape and boast excellent recent winning form at Albion Park, Get In The Groove has recorded back to back victories while Frankie Rocks is unbeaten in four starts to date this season.

While Get In The Groove is no stranger to Our Dream About Me after clashing last season during the Australasian Breeders Crown Fillies Final in Melbourne, Frankie Rocks is yet to race outside of the sunshine state.

Frankie Rocks took down talented pacer Catcha Lefty two starts ago in a time of 1:53.7 when leading throughout before cruising to a comfortable victory in 1:53.8 last week.

“It’s no surprise I’m a big fan of Frankie and I’m thrilled with the way he’s returned this campaign, he’s finally delivering with the enormous potential he’s always shown from the time he joined my stable. He felt very strong last week at Albion Park and he’s trained on well since so I’m happy with him heading into this series.

“We know what to expect with the filly, she’s a tradesman-like performer and a very good racehorse and that was evident in her latest victory because she knows where the line is which is handy. I’m happy with the way she is performing right now, this next challenge is steep but she deserves her chance.

“Look, both horses clearly need to step it up a gear to match the unbeaten pair of Waikiki Beach and Dream About Me but this is a great opportunity. We’re heading down later this week (Thursday) and will give them plenty of time to settle into their new surroundings.”

Dixon will have his duo based at Cobbity with Luke and Belinda McCarthy.

And McCarthy will have first option to drive both horses in the heats with Dixon committed to his big stable.

“Yes, Luke will be given the option to drive both horses but if he’s obligated to other runners, I’m likely to head down myself but we’ll worry about that next week.

“Both Kevin and Kay (Seymour) are happy with that arrangement.”

Dixon finished second in the 2013 NSW Derby aboard Majestic Mach behind Lennytheshark.

by Chris Barsby