The margin was narrow but It’s A Dundeel confirmed his Spring Champion Stakes credentials with his come-from-behind victory over older horses at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The promising colt came wide on the bend but was able to reel in his rivals to defeat Double Halo by a short half-head in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1580m).
It’s A Dundeel ($2.20 fav) is trained by Murray Baker in New Zealand and has been staying with Baker’s son Bjorn who is based at Warwick Farm.
Bjorn Baker said he was looking forward to seeing the unbeaten colt on a bigger track which he will get when he heads to Randwick for the Gloaming and Spring Champion Stakes.
His two Australian starts have been on the tight-turning Wyong and Canterbury circuits which haven’t suited the backmarker.
“He gave my car a swipe as he went around the corner,” Baker said.
“He definitely covered a lot of extra ground in the last couple of furlongs.
“I’m very much looking forward to getting him into a big straight.
“He was under riding for a long way and he’s definitely looking for further. But it was a good effort.”
It’s A Dundeel, who has now won three from three, is the latest staying prospect to emerge from the Baker yard which has produced 2010 Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer and 2008 AJC Australian Derby winner Nom De Jeu.
Bjorn Baker said while there was a long way to go, It’s A Dundeel was on the right track.
“He’s done everything that’s been asked of him and he’s definitely got some quality about him, you only have to look at him to see that,” Baker said.
The Gloaming Stakes (1800m) is on September 22 with the Spring Champion (2000m) on October 6.
