Triple G will need all his gears

Harness racing trainer Robert Dunn who trains Triple G (Downbytheseaside) with his daughter-in-law Jenna, knows he’s got a real challenge ahead in Friday night’s (May 12) Garrards Sires’ Stakes Final at Addington.

Although Triple G has only been beaten once in five starts, he’s up against the All Stars stable which trains the hot favourite Don’t Stop Dreaming, (Bettor’s Delight) and All Stars has won the last nine Sires Stakes Finals. 

Of Don’t Stop Dreaming’s recent win, Dunn said “That was brilliant the other day. He’s always shown a little bit of gate speed but not like that. It was outstanding.” 

Triple G is owned by Ross and Angela Gordon, and has drawn handy (3) in a race that could be very tactical. 

“You’d think Sooner The Better (Bettor’s Delight) will hold the lead with the amount of speed he’s got. He’ll have enough to keep us out and we probably haven’t got enough (gate speed) to hold Don’t Stop Dreaming. You’d think we’d have to sit in the death seat at some stage if Johnny wants to put him in the race, which he will want to. We’d like to be close to Don’t Stop Dreaming at the 600 metre peg.”  

Triple G is one of a handful of smart three year olds in what’s turning out to be a very good crop.

“He always showed a lot of ability right from his first race, but he didn’t drive the best, so we gave him a good lengthy spell. Since he’s come back, he’s been steering a lot better. He’s got speed, stamina and is a great gaited horse but I still think times going to be his best friend.”

The Dunns have two other runners in the Group One feature. Who’s Delight (Bettor’s Delight) will run from gate eight and Charlie Brown (Art Major) who’s draws one on the second row.

“Charlie Brown has got a great draw because he’s a great follower of speed so all he has to do is follow out Sooner The Bettor and should end up three deep on the fence. He’s a good place chance. Who’s Delight – well funnily enough it’s a good draw for him too because Tim (Williams) said he got far too keen the other day and over raced. He’s drawn out wide so that’ll give Tim a chance to go back early and let the horse relax. This horse is probably six months away from where we want him.” 

It’s thirty five years since Robert Dunn won the Sires Stakes Final, when in 1998 he trained and drove National Glory (Mark Lobell) to win, beating Inky Lord (Lordship) by three quarters of a length with Neroship (Nero BB) finishing third.

“It was a mobile mile that day and he drew three. It was a pretty high powered field. My fella had a heap of gate speed, so I let him go as soon as the barrier went. Henry (Skinner) tried to come out driving Highview Boy (Jiffy Boy), but he put in a rough stride. I got to the front and was able to control it from there.”  

Although Friday’s three year old feature has been robbed of some of it’s appeal due to Merlin (Art Major) being withdrawn I’m sure it’ll still be a mid-season highlight.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink