The line that a horse has been racing consistently without winning is very much making the best of a consolation prize, but for Dashing the recent bridesmaid tag could be shaken off at Caulfield Heath on Thursday.
The traditional Boxing Day card featuring the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m) usually takes place on the main Caulfield track but with renovations having it out of play until the Australia Day weekend, the inner course hosts the card which is expected to be run in forecast heat of 38 degrees.
Despite not having had a runner on the new circuit, trainer Aaron Purcell holds no concerns as to how Dashing could handle it if he chooses to start his consistent galloper there or wait for the $300,000 Coastal Classic (1700m) at Geelong ten days later.
“The plan is to accept for Thursday with Craig Newitt to ride,” Purcell said.
“I wouldn’t imagine it to be a super big field with a couple of them nominated having gone around yesterday at Pakenham.
“The weights are a bit strange with Welwall with 60-kilos and the rest are at the bottom with 54.
“If he doesn’t run, the rest will go up.”
Expressing happiness with Dashing’s recent outings which have delivered placings in the Listed Cranbourne Cup (1600m) last month and the Werribee Cup (1600m) a fortnight ago, the five-year-old will be hoping to find one or two fewer competitors not finding their peaks.
“Globe ran up to his best and was too good on the day at Cranbourne,” Purcell added.
“At Werribee we drew a bit wide and had to work a bit early which left us vulnerable late for Riot And Rose to run over the top of us.
“He’s right there and just needs to draw a gate and get a bit of luck in running.”The barrier draw will be key in Purcell’s decision to start when the final fields are released on Tuesday.
In his past two starts, Dashing has again broken through the 100 and above level according to Racing and Sports ratings.
Equalling a career peak of 106 last start at Werribee, that mark was previously matched when finishing ninth in the 2022 Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) behind Golden Mile.
