‘Unforced error’ a costly one for Forty Love

Shattered Victorian trainer Aaron Dunn says there’s a logical explanation behind the fact that his star pacer Forty Love (Downbytheseaside) could miss getting a start in Saturday night’s (Mar 1) heats of the $200,000 Harness Racing NSW Derby at Menangle.

A winner of five from 13 ($58K) including last season’s Vicbred Super Series final, the colt is undeniably one of the best of his year – but is listed as the second emergency in Saturday night’s three qualifying heats.

However, Dunn said the “clerical error” that omitted Forty Love was all his own doing.

“I nominated straight for the final on March 8, instead of this weekend’s heats, so it was my fault.  You could say I went off a bit early!” Dunn wryly observed.

“People are giving NSW Harness Racing a hard time about it, but it’s all my issue. I did the nom on my phone, which I hate doing, but that’s the way it is when you’re away.  I just put him in the wrong race,” he said.

“When I looked at the noms and couldn’t see him in there, I rang HRNSW and all they could do was put me in as a late nomination – which means I’m second emergency.”

Forty Love was super impressive in winning at his leadup event, the Success Stud Pace at Menangle last Tuesday (Feb 18).  Working forward to the lead, Forty Love peeled off a last half of 55.8 and a last quarter of 26.6 (MR 1:51.8)

“I couldn’t have been happier with him on that run, he felt enormous,” Dunn said.

“I knew I was on track before I came up to NSW when he ran a good second at Melton in the Caduceus 3yo Classic at his second start back from a spell.”

Dunn is not without a starter in the heats – his handy Poster Boy colt Ruff Nut has drawn the coveted barrier one in heat two.

“We’ve drawn the pole – but he’s not a Forty Love.  He went well at Penrith when he finished second on Thursday (Feb 20) but I’ll be driving him for luck.  He goes well, but he’s just a bit below those top ones,” he said.

The ever-positive Dunn, who has enjoyed two wins with his six-horse travelling team, said it was a disappointing way to end the campaign, which had been focused on a Derby tilt for Forty Love.

“It’s probably a longshot that he gets a run at this stage, but that’s the way it is,” he said.

“It’s history now, but I can tell you, it won’t ever happen again! I’ve been copping heaps of flack, so maybe I should go and get those reading glasses!”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink