Dunn team in the zone at Auckland

Each week the talent seems to be increasing with the influx of southerners to the north.

Friday night at Alexandra Park was no exception and for the Robert Dunn stable represented a great night at the office.

Things started really well with a winning turn for Little Rascal in Race Two.

Allowed to go out at the ridiculous odds of 12-1, Little Rascal was eased from his wide draw early.

However, John assessed the situation perfectly allowing the Panspacificflight 4yr old to go the front with a lap to go.

Once in front, John was able to dictate the pace with strong sectionals that had most struggling turning for home.

He was able to retain a strong pace to the line, completing the 2200m in 2.44.2, the last 800m in 56.6 400m in 27.4, winning by 3/4 length over the deadheaters in Alta Leroy and favourite Stroke Of Luck.

The win was his 6th from 25 starts and with a further 10 placings he has been a great purchase for owner Ian Dobson, now having bankrolled $74,839.

There are no set plans for Little Rascal and he will continue racing over the next few weeks of the carnival.

With his great manners and ability to come from on or off the pace, he will continue to be competitive.

Later in the programme it was a very welcome return to the winning circle for Robbie Burns.

A horse that has always possessed above average ability, Robbie Burns has been plagued by any number of problems throughout his career.

This win then was so satisfying to his very patient owners Ross and Angela Gordon and to trainer RJ.

Away well from his handy frontline draw, Robbie Burns was in front after 400m.

Facing little pressure throughout he was able to dictate terms to his liking and did look a winner a long way out.

"He felt good mate and did do it pretty easy," was John's reaction when I spoke to him last night.

The 2200m was run in a very strong 2.42.9, but with closing sectionals of 800m 56.5 and 400m in 27.5, it was little wonder that few of his rivals were able to make much of an impression in the closing stages.

The win was Robbie Burns 4th from just the 11 starts, for $33,919.

Like Little Rascal he will just continue to work his way through the classes.

We look to seeing more of the winning way from this fella.

Other efforts of note on the night included:

* Alta Las Vegas, a very good 4th in top 3yr old company after being off the gate at the start. 

* Whitney, another top run for 2nd behind a smart one in Paramount Dream. Surely there is no more conistent trotter going around.

* Art Critic, was seen to be finding the line really well for 5th, beaten just 5 lengths by The Orange Agent.

Courtesy of Robert Dunn Racing Stables   –   Check site here