Co-trainer Tom Dabernig is confident that Dam Ready will prove tough to beat when he lines up for this Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley this afternoon.
Co-trainer Tom Dabernig is pleased with Dam Ready ahead of this afternoon’s McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Dam Ready has only made three competitive appearances at the races since debuting in early February of this year, but the gelding has more than stamped himself as one to watch in producing one win and two credible fourth place finishes.
Having returned to the paddock following a reasonably luckless run in the Magic Millions Adelaide 2.y.o Classic (1200m) at Morphettville on March 14th, Dabernig told Racing Ahead that the More Than Ready gelding has taken plenty of value from his time in the paddock and he expects the horse will be right in the finish of the McKenzie Stakes 2016.
“When he won at the Valley it was over 1000m and it was a really strong win,” Dabernig said.
“He was virtually favourite for the Magic Millions in Adelaide but was a little disappointing in that, so we turned him out for a spell and gelded him.
“He’s been working very well and he’s a winner at Moonee Valley. I think that although it’s a tough race, can run a really competitive race. I like his chances.”
Trialling well in the lead-up to his competitive debut, Dam Ready jumped from the barriers well in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) and took a good position in running; stretching out in the final straight to find the line fourth behind subsequent Group 1 champion Extreme Choice.
Rated some chance of success in the Cactus Imaging Plate (1000m) at Moonee Valley second-up on February 19th, the gelding out of Waterwise immediately took up and the running and never appeared in doubt; charging clear in the final straight to beat closest rival Moshki by more than three lengths.
Dam Ready will jump from the ideal barrier 6 following this morning’s scratchings and has been confirmed to be partnered by Luke Currie in the McKenzie Stakes.
Dam Ready is currently available at 2016 McKenzie Stakes odds of $4 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
