Dunns have big hand in 2YO features tonight

The country’s leading harness racing trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn will be looking for more success at Addington tonight (May 17) when they line up multiple runners in both the night’s features, the Group 3 SENZ-NZ New Zealand 2YO Trotting Stakes and the Group 1 Avon City Ford New Zealand Welcome Stakes.

With 74 wins this year, including 13 in May alone, Diamond Racing has been a dominant force and co-trainer Robert Dunn believes his team are where they need to be to play a strong hand again this evening.

Race four, the $50,000 Trotting Stakes will feature two Dunn runners, including the favourite Ya Rite Darl (What The Hill) ($2.00FF) who showed above average ability winning her previous start.

“She’s come through her last run really well, John (Dunn) is super happy with her. She seems a fairly solid trotter,” said Robert Dunn.

“There’s a couple of nice horses in there that she’ll have to beat, but she’s going well and with a good run she’ll be tough to beat.”

Ya Rite Darl will be driven by John Dunn.

Dunn however gave a strong push for their other starter Frazzled ($11.00FF). Also by What The Hill, she made an error on debut after trialling impressively, beating home Ya Rite Darl on one of those occasions.

“She’s actually shown a bit more than Ya Rite Darl all the way through. She has been trialling well. She’s got speed but sometimes that breed can make some mistakes.”

“If she trots all the way she’s certainly got enough promise to be in the race and have a good chance.”

Frazzled will be driven by Tim Williams.

In race seven, the $110,000 Welcome Stakes the Dunns line up three runners of the seven horse field.

Got The Chocolates ($1.90FF) opens up a warm favourite just ahead of the Mark and Nathan Purdon trained Rubira ($2.80FF) with arguably the draws setting the market tone. Got The Chocolates now begins from barrier one after a scratching, and Rubira from the outside of the gate in seven.

“He’s come through that win super. He’s always shown a lot of raw ability and promise. He has a high cruising speed.”

“I’d say we will use that draw if we can. He has speed and stamina.”

Got The Chocolates will be driven by John Dunn.

A gear malfunction hindered Bruntwood Brigade’s ($71.00FF) debut performance at Addington last week. Dunn suggests the Art Major gelding will benefit from further racing, and is one to follow going forward.

“He was travelling okay last week until a spreader broke on him.”

“He’s a decent prep behind all of the other two-year-olds and he has come a very long way in a very short time. He’s not quite up to the best ones yet, but he’s going to make a very nice horse.”

Bruntwood Brigade will be driven by Gavin Smith.

Captain Crunch gelding Malakai ($16.00FF) rounds out their chances and has come through his previous start well.

“His forte is going to be his staying ability. He’s got a big long stride, but he just lacks a bit of sheer speed at this stage. But he’s definitely a good place chance and one to watch going forward this season.”

Malakai will be driven by Tim Williams.

The Dunn’s will also line up five other chances throughout the night at Addington, while also lining up Always B You in the Group 1 Magness Benrow Sires Stakes 3YO Fillies Championship, and Bounce N Beyond in the IRT NZ Sires Stakes 3YO Trotters Championship at Group 2 level at Alexandra Park in Auckland.

Racing commences at Addington from 4:54pm and Alexandra Park from 5:32pm

For complete Addington race entries, click here.

For complete Auckland race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand