Astute Goulburn trainer Danny Williams is normally reluctant to praise the ability of his young horses.
But in the case of New Zealand-bred three-year-old Sand Dune, who lines up in the Salvestro Planning Class 1 Hcp (1400m) at Wagga on Friday, Williams makes an exception.
“He’s one of the better horses in the stable,” he said.
“I think he can develop into a very nice horse, particularly next preparation.”
Development is one of the cornerstones of Williams’ success. Patience too.
Rarely do you see him race two-year-olds.
At home and on the track in two starts Sand Dune, a son of Thorn Park from the Danzero mare Desert Heart, has shown Williams enough to predict a bright future.
And if the manner of his last start 2-1/4-length win in a 3YO Country Plate at Wagga over 1200m at his second start on December 23 when he trounced well-performed Alert Miss is any indication, Williams’ opinion of Sand Dunes future isn’t misplaced.
The gelding is raced by a diverse group including major stable backer, former rugby international and avid owner-breeder Alan Cardy.
Cardy raced Desert Heart while Sand Dune was bred in New Zealand and shipped across to Australia.
“It (the breeding) all started with Fiddlestick, who won the Research Stakes (1996, beating Ruffles and Dane Ripper),” Williams said.
“Sand Dune was given time by the owners to mature. That approach should pay off.”
Sand Dune made his debut with a long neck second to Caradak Pegasus in a 1300m maiden at Goulburn on December 4 after leading.
“He got under our guard first start,” Williams admitted.
“Because he’s a horse I think will get a mile (1600m) and didn’t show a lot of speed in trackwork, the rider gave him a nudge out of the barriers and he led.
“He got lost in the lead and unfortunately found one a little better on the day.
“At Wagga he was keen early again and wanted to travel but settled off the pace. He’s surprising us with his speed on race day.
“He lengthened really well at the finish. The penny hasn’t dropped with him yet. Even at Wagga he pulled up and wanted to wait for the other horse.
“He’s a fellow that gives plenty under pressure though.”
Mathew Cahill has the mount on Friday and will also partner another promising three-year-old, Iking, for Williams in the Rexel Class 2 Hcp (1600m).
AAP TURF
