Jockey Dwayne Dunn has confirmed that he will settle Entirely Platinum in a forward position in the 2016 Ladbrokes Orr Stakes, but he remains hopeful that the consistent gelding will be able to show a turn-of-foot in the Group 1 event at Caulfield on Saturday.
Entirely Platinum finished a close second behind Dissident in the Orr Stakes last year. Photo by: Adrienne Bicknell
Entirely Platinum is yet to record a Group 1 victory, but he has an excellent record over 1400 metres at Caulfield and he finished second in both the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) last year.
Dunn partnered Entirely Platinum in both of those races and took up the running on both occasions, but he told Racing Ahead this morning that he will be happy to take a sit behind Turn Me Loose in the early stages of the 2016 Ladbrokes Orr Stakes.
“We will probably press in the first four or five and see what progresses from there,” Dunn said.
“That is his style, he always races up on speed and if he doesn’t lead he is outside.
“There is no reason he can’t sit with cover and have a nice turn-of-foot.
“A lot of these horses resuming will be looking for further and hopefully he will be in the right spot and there for a long way.”
Entirely Platinum has not been seen at the races since he failed to fire in the Group 1 Ladbrokes Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on October 10 and he has not recorded a race win since August of 2014, but Dunn is happy with the condition of the Pentire gelding ahead of his return to racing this weekend.
Dunn admits that there is plenty of talent in the 2016 Ladbrokes Orr Stakes, but he is confident that the six-year-old will be more than competitive and may represent a bit of value at his current quote.
“He has trialed up very nicely for this and he is going well,” Dunn said.
“He has come back a little bit better than what he did last preparation and there is no reason why he can’t produce what he has done in the past.
“It is a very even and a very tough race and he is going to have to be at his best.
“There are plenty of chances in this race.”
Entirely Platinum is currently available at 2016 Ladbrokes Orr Stakes of $17, while Lucky Hussler ($4.60) remains a narrow favourite from Turn Me Loose ($4.80), Boban ($8.50) and Bow Creek ($10).
