Veteran jockey Robbie Fradd continued to make the most of the extra workload from trainer Matt Dunn when they combined to win with talented two-year-old Voodoo Crown at Doomben.
Fradd booted first starter Voodoo Crown ($3.60) straight to the lead and she led all the way to beat Poupee ($2.30) by a half length the Gallopers Sports Club Handicap (1050m).
An international jockey with thousands of wins behind him, Fradd has been a regular rider for Murwillumbah-based Dunn for several years.
Voodoo Crown’s win was his 76th for the Dunn stable at a winning strike rate of almost 24 per cent.
But he has been used even more by the stable after leading jockey Jim Byrne broke his leg last month.
“Robbie does a lot of our riding but we try to share it around. He is an international-class rider who suits the way some of our horses race,” Dunn, who is a clear second in the metropolitan trainers premiership, said.
He believes Voodoo Crown can win in good company once she matures.
“I will probably send her for a break and give her a chance to grow a bit. She isn’t a Magic Millions horse so there is no rush with her,” he said.
Dunn was also full of praise for apprentice Stephanie Thornton who gave him a double when former North Queensland mare Gracie Belle won.
“I reckon Stephanie can win a premiership up here one day, the way she is going,” Dunn said.
“Gracie Belle had some good form in the north and seems to go best when patiently ridden. Stephanie did that today.”
Caloundra trainer Billy Healy continued his run with owner Greg Ingham when Paleontologist ($2.90) won the Membership Handicap (1050m).
The gelding lived up to a five-length Caloundra barrier trial win.
