Can Dunn get the chocolates?

Most drivers would say drawing barrier four on the front line in a Group One race is not a bad marble. But John Dunn who drives Got The Chocolates (Art Major) for his father Robert and his wife Jenna is not so sure.

“For him it’s just a draw. He shows no gate speed, is not a massive fan of drawing four, five or six and it’s not ideal with Rubira drawing one. Marketplace has drawn out wider so it’s going to be a bit tough for him,” John said.

Leaving the gate has been Got The Chocolates achilles heel.

“He doesn’t like going from behind where the starter sits (in the mobile truck). He hesitates especially from four, five and six. The other draws have more of the mobile arm. We’ve been working overtime at home to try and fix it.”

But one of Got The Chocolates strengths is his toughness.

“He’s tough alright, but I don’t know how long I can keep driving him the way I have. Hopefully we can get that gate speed and get a sit behind one of those better ones for a change.”

Dunn says this season’s crop of three years is very good with Marketplace the benchmark.

Diamond Racing has a host of other runners across tomorrow night’s Addington card.

Race One: One Over Da Line (Majestic Son)

“He’ll definitely need the run. He probably will need a couple of runs to get back to full fitness.”

Race Two: Miki’s Courage (Always B Miki)

“He probably looked as though he went a good race last time but we were still a fraction disappointed. It’s a tough draw (9) to work with, but the 2600 will suit. He’s my roughie.”

Race Three: Suttle (Tactical Landing) has shown some talent on the racetrack but broke from behind the arm at her last start.

“Before that she’d never broken in her life, so it was disappointing she did that in a big race. She had a couple of trials at Cambridge and copped that way round (left hand) well. She’s only been down a couple of weeks and we’re pleased with her.”

Race Four: Miki Knows (Aways B Miki), It’s Tough (Bettor’s Delight), and Bryce’s Meddle (Terror To Love).

Re Miki Knows, Dunn said  “Poor bugger. He’s up in the grades and every time he goes out it’s never easy. In his races they’ve been running fast times especially fast last halves. He’s the sort of horse that’s hanging out for the right trip.”

It’s Tough is in the form of his life winning all three of his starts this preparation but draws outside favourite, The Lazarus Effect.

“It’s going to be a good race between those two. They’ve both come back looking like they’re both pretty smart horses. I can’t fault my horse and he’s come through his last run great. He’s got gate speed if I have to use it and he’s another one that should be suited by the distance.”

Re Byrce’s Meddle – “He’s actually been going good races, but he’s been off marks against nice horses. He’s drawn out wide again on Friday night but he’s a great follower of speed and always tries hard.”

Race Five: Very Majestic (Majestic Son) “Will probably need the run and will improve on it.”

Race Six: Cool For Cats (Always B Miki)

“She got a bit lost in some of her starts in Auckland. In her last start the last furlong wasn’t as bad as it looked and she hit the line quite well. We’ll be hanging out for the right trip.”

Race Seven: Queen Tyron (Bettor’s Delight) and Celestial Sea (Always B Miki)

Re Queen Tyron – “It’s a nice draw (3) but it’s not going to be easy. It’s a nice bunch of fillies. It’s not a big field but she’ll be hanging out for the right trip too.”

Re Celestial Sea – “One good thing about this filly is she can make her own luck. If they button off the speed she’s good enough to put in it (the race).”

Race Eight: I Dream Of Jeannie (Pegasus Spur) and Mighty Logan (Creatine)

I Dream Of Jeannie – “The best thing is that it’s a 2000 metre stand. She’s got great manners and steps quick which will be a big plus for her.”

Mighty Logan – “He’s another one that can step really fast. If he steps fast and gets in front of them (backmarkers) from the get-go he’s a good top three chance.”

Race Thirteen: Tyron’s Strapping Lad (Muscle Mass) and Love You Wilma (Love You)

Tyron’s Strapping Lad last raced in May and has had two trials to get ready for his return to the races.

“The first trial was fair while the second one was a lot better. He’ll probably need a couple of hard races under his belt. If he steps and gets himself in a good position he’s a good top four chance.”

Love You Wilma also returns to the track after last racing in May. The three year old filly has had two trials this preparation.

“Her first trial was great and her second one was just fair. We’ve upped her work at home and she’s responded, so hopefully she’ll go a great race.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink