Forty Love earns Hunter Cup shot after impressive Ballarat run

AARON Dunn has some thinking to do after the slashing runs of his two stable harness racing stars Dee Roe and Forty Live in last Saturday night’s powerhouse Group 2 Ballarat Cup.

Dunn, who continues to fly under the radar with his strike rate, was thrilled when the pair ran second and third respectively to champion pacer Leap To Fame in track record time at Ballarat.

“It didn’t totally surprise me, but it was fantastic to have them both run so well,” he said.

“They’ve both been racing really, albeit they’re quite different horses. Dee Roe has more point to point speed, while Forty Love enjoys rolling along, so the hot pace suited him at Ballarat.”

Four-year-old Forty Love has earned himself a crack at the $250,000 Group 1 Hunter Cup on February 14, rather than the 4YO Bonanza on the same card.

“You’ve got to have a crack after a run like that,” Dunn said. “I’m keen to give him a crack at the Chariots Of Fire (at Menangle), but it probably makes more sense to go to the Hunter Cup and then try and get our way into the Chariots through one of the qualifying races at Menangle.

“If that means going to Sydney earlier to give him that chance, then I’ll do that.”

The 4YO Bonanza has a golden ticket into the Chariots Of Fire, but it only goes to the winner.

“I’ll either go to the Cranbourne Cup or wait and go to Kilmore with him next week,” he said. “Then it’s on to the Hunter Cup.”

Dunn drove Forty Love at Ballarat and Jackie Barker took the reins on Dee Roe.

“Regardless of where I take them next, I think I’ll leave Jackie on Dee Roe because they’re going to clash quite often,” he said.

Longer term, Dunn wants to have a crack at the TAB Eureka with Forty Love.

“That’s the main aim this season,” he said. “I think the big track and longer distance (2300m) will really suit him and he’s on the up.”