Exciting two-year-old Dram of Red shocked his trainer Matt Dunn with his impressive winning debut but it will be a different story for his return to Doomben.
Dram of Red will be having his first start since winning a Saturday metropolitan class two-year-old race at the Sunshine Coast on March 7.
Dunn admitted he was stunned by Dram of Red’s three-length win over smart juvenile Montana Star.
“I didn’t think he was ready to do that. He really bashed them up. I have to admit I was a bit stunned by the win,” Dunn said.
He decided not to rush the gelding and put him away after the win for races late in the winter.
“The only worry for Saturday is that I haven’t been able to trial him,” Dunn said.
“The weather has played against us a bit as I am always reluctant to trial horses on really heavy and bottomless tracks.”
“But he has had a jump-out at home (Murwillumbah) and he has drawn barrier three which is a big help from the 1110 metre start.”
“We’ve been able to get Jim Byrne to ride him, so there are a few pluses as well.”
At this stage Dram of Red will remain racing in Brisbane rather than heading south for the spring.
“He would have to do something really special on Saturday to change our plans,” Dunn said.
“He is a QTIS bonus horse and the prizemoney is very good.”
“Also the owner lives at Lennox (Heads) and he loves to watch him race.”
