The Matthew Dunn trained Realing could enhance his credentials for a spot in the Queensland Derby with an improved performance in the Group 3 $125,000 Ascot Green Gunsynd Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Trainer Matthew Dunn, above, is looking for an imprpved performance from Realing in the Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm. Photo by Daniel Costello.
Realing is currently marked at $11 for the Gunsynd Classic at Ladbrokes.com.au but Dunn is expecting an improved run from the three year old following his first up seventh to Deep Image in a 1350m three year old Plate at Doomben on April 15.
“He only had one trial leading into the race because of wash-outs with the wet weather. He just got a bit tired towards the end but was only about three lengths from the winner,” Dunn told AAP.
“Realing was around some good horses at the finish so it was a handy run. I think he is probably still one trial behind in his fitness but he will be better on Saturday.”
Dunn was in two minds which Winter Carnival feature he would target Realing for and after considering the Group 2 $350,000 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 10, decided to head towards the Group 1 $600,000 Channel 7 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on the same day.
“In the end I have elected to go with the Derby. He has always struck me as a horse who would get over a middle distance,” Dunn said.
“But if he doesn’t race well on Saturday we can always change our minds and think about the Guineas.”
Realing has won two races from five starts with one of those victories over the same course and distance s the Gunsynd Classic.
Ronnie Stewart takes the reins again after partnering Realing for his first up seventh and the Real Saga gelding will jump from the inside barrier in the ten horse field.
Gunsynd Classic $2 favourite Dreams Aplenty will jump from gate two with apprentice Tiffani Brooker looking for four wins on the trot on the John Zielke trained gelding after they combined for a hat trick of wins at Eagle Farm and Doomben annd a last start victory in the $75,000 Toowoomba Guineas (1625m) at Toowoomba on April 8.
The Stuart Kendrick trained Spring Tycoon was a close up second to Dreams Aplenty in the Toowoomba Guineas and is on the second line of betting for the Gunsynd Classic at $4 with Robert Heathcote’s Kubis the next in the betting at $7.50.
