A maiden galloper winning against experienced horses who have won up to eight times would seem a forlorn task to many.
But astute Coffs Harbour trainer Trevor Hardy believes Wind Of Dubai has a chance to upset logic at Grafton on Saturday.
The four-year-old gelding, placed in five from nine starts, lines up in the 29/9/11 Iluka Cup Day Benchmark Hcp (1610m).
Hardy’s line of thinking is two-fold.
“I couldn’t find a 1600 metre race for maidens anywhere for weeks,” Hardy said.
“Wind Of Dubai has always given me the impression he’s looking for 1600 metres.
“I’ll give him a try Saturday. I might be having myself on but he’s always getting to the line strongly and while I know he’s up in grade, he’s racing against a group of horses that may be past their best.
“The other reason is he’s a BOBS extra horse. If he can win he gets $3500 prizemoney and an additional $5000 for BOBS.
“There’s no point having them sitting around in the stable. They’ve go to race.”
Wind Of Dubai has been in good form, albeit against maiden company.
First up from a spell over 1200m at Grafton on August 30, the gelding ran home strongly for a long neck second to Harley Down then was beaten 1-1/4 lengths into second by Zelaysie over 1409m on his home track on September 12.
“His last two runs have been very good,” Hardy said.
“I couldn’t say he’s been unlucky, got into trouble and not won but even at Coffs he took a lot of ground off the winner and came right away from the others.
“Apart from a couple of runs, he’s basically always performed, put in.
“He’s only a little fella, athletic and very active.
“He’s got a lot of energy.”
Wind Of Dubai, by E Dubai, out of the Bellotto mare Jovial Miss, was bred by Hardy.
“Before we bought the mare she had three foals for three winners,” Hardy said.
“After Winds Of Dubai I gave her away. I’ve got out of breeding.”
Wind Of Dubai takes on the likes of eight-time winner Silver Mountain, Kinsmate, who has won seven times and locally-trained Grand Corso the winner of six races.
Wind Of Dubai will be ridden by 2kg claiming apprentice Codie Lee McPhersen.
AAP TURF
