Dunns heading for Rangiora

Tomorrow Woodend Beach trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn take a strong team to the Amberley harness racing meeting on the grass at Rangiora.

The Dunns have two runners in the Rangiora Equine ‘Amberley Cup,’ a race Robert and Jenna have won for the last two years.

Double Time (A Rocknroll Dance) runs from the 10 metre mark. The five year old has a good record on grass on which he’s won twice. He’s won four of his races from the stand.

He last raced at Blenheim and was an improving fourth in the Marlborough Pacers Cup.

“He went really well on the second day and needed the run on the first day. He’s trained on since then and if he competes like he normally does he’ll have to be a good top four chance,” John Dunn said.

There’s no doubting the talent of Who’s Delight (Bettor’s Delight), but he’s yet to win from a stand and on the grass. The trip away to the top of the south should have improved him.

“He went great the first day at Blenheim and massive on the second day. He was just handicapped out of the race really. He’s off 20 so it’s not going to be easy. Hopefully he steps away like he has been. If he does and goes as good as he did at Blenheim he’ll be a good chance.”

The stable has five other runners across the card, starting with Volstone (Volstead) in Race One. He’s still learning the game but was better at his last start.

“It’ll be touch and go whether he steps away. He had a mobile at his last start and is yet to step from a stand. Hopefully he brings his manners.”

Miki Skipper (Always B Miki) lines up in Race Two and gets a good draw in a small field.

“A very good run last week behind a nice horse. He’s drawn handy and he’s our best chance.”

Two start maiden Kairaki Vegas (Captain Crunch) takes her place in Race Three. Her run for third last time was that of an improver.

“Yeah that run was a lot better. She’s still got a lot to learn this girl. She’s come on since she’s been home but she’s the sort of horse that’ll need all favours.”

The well travelled Judine (Art Major) takes her place in Race Four. She races best when held up for one run. She has a wide draw to contend with tomorrow.

“She’s been hammered with terrible draws so we’ll be relying on luck.”

Trotter Baffled (Majestic Son) starts from the unruly in Race Five. She’s still not perfect in her gait but there appears to be talent there.

“It was a lot better last time out. She stepped away and trotted the whole way round. She was up in grade in that start and got tired late. I’ll be looking to drive her for one run. We’ll need luck from the unruly.”

Copenhagen Girl (Captaintreacherous) rounds out the Dunn’s day in Race Eleven. She was good on the first day at Blenheim but didn’t have a lot of luck on the second day.

“She burnt early and just didn’t quite come back to Timmy (driver Tim Williams) and over-raced a bit after that. It’s not going to be easy from the nine, especially on a leaders bias track. Hopefully she gets a nice run and is hitting the line.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink