An inside draw in a race that might be too short would normally be a cause for concern.
But in the case of Melbourne Cup hero Dunaden and his trainer Mikel Delzangles, the circumstances that confront them in Sunday’s $HK14m Group One Hong Kong Vase (2400m) are simply part of the game.
Dunaden drew barrier three at Thursday’s ballot for starting positions for a race that will be his first since he scored the narrowest victory ever in the Melbourne Cup.
“Maybe he would be better drawn a little bit wider,” Delzangles said.
“But if there isn’t much pace, he will be able to take a good spot.”
Dunaden demonstrated in the Geelong Cup that he has the speed necessary to compete at 2400m, but that was when his preparation was on an upward curve.
Coming back from the 3200m of the Melbourne Cup makes the task more difficult, but again Delzangles is prepared to give the horse the benefit of the doubt.
“He’s freshened up nicely since Melbourne, I think his work has been very encouraging,” he said.
“I think he’s just as well and happy as he was in Melbourne, so I am very hopeful.”
An alternative view is provided by the horse who set the example followed by Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup.
Americain, the French-trained stayer who won the 2010 Cup, also tackled the Hong Kong Vase at his next start and finished third.
Again, Delzangles is prepared to shrug off the possible negative.
“Every race is different, every horse is different,” he said.
“I think we are here with a very good chance and I’m sure the horse will run well.”
Dunaden will again be opposed by Red Cadeaux, the horse he beat at Flemington last month and one that is something of a 2400m specialist.
Red Cadeaux has won four times at the distance and showed enough speed in the Cup to suggest he is still capable at the shorter trip.
“He’s come here in very good order and with the form to say he’ll run very well,” trainer Ed Dunlop said.
“If Dunaden is a chance as people seem to think, then our horse has to be in with a good show also.”
AAP TURF
