Racing: Dunn to start off in style

Titan Banner has a tough draw to overcome at Forbury Park tonight but has the talent to do so....
Titan Banner has a tough draw to overcome at Forbury Park tonight but has the talent to do so. PHOTO: MATT SMITH
Two words - or a name to be precise - should set punters' minds at rest with Titan Banner at Forbury Park tonight. Dexter Dunn. 

The country's leading reinsman is back in New Zealand after a European holiday and is ready to chase down his brother John, who leads the national premiership with 14 wins.

Dunn has six drives on the seven-race card, and Titan Banner looks like a top chance, despite starting from the outside of the front line in the 1700m mobile pace due to the preferential barrier draw system.

Titan Banner's trainer, Graeme Anderson, said the draw dictated what Titan Banner will do early in the race.

''He's ready to go but he's got to go back to last from that draw,'' Anderson said.

''Obviously first-up we're not going to murder him, but he'll get one run at them somewhere. I'm very happy with where he's at and you've got to start somewhere.''

The 4yr-old has placed at the workouts at Forbury Park in the last fortnight after last racing at the Harness Jewels in late May, and Anderson said fitness should not be an issue.

''He's forward enough to win.''

The draw is not appetising for punters of favourites, especially over the sprint distance, but Anderson expects there will be plenty of moves during the race.

''Hopefully someone gets him in to the race,'' he said.

''I see a bit of speed in that race, to be fair, off the front - there will be a few going forward.''

Aveross Rustler is a quick beginner from the mobile at Forbury Park, and there should be speed from the ace marble courtesy of Tilly Brogden.

Dunn still graced the winner's circle during his trip, driving three winners at Portmarnock Raceway near Dublin, Ireland early this month.

''He's fresh-up from his tour around the world so hopefully he's on form,'' Anderson said.

Highview Illusion gets a chance at another free win in the junior drivers mobile pace.

Rory McIlwrick will take the drive behind the 4yr-old, who won a penalty-free race as a late 3yr-old before freshening up for tonight's assignment.

''It's a nice race for him,'' Anderson said.

''There's not too much exposed form, so with that barrier draw, he appears to be hard to beat.''

The barrier draw of 3 suggests Highview Illusion will be near the speed, although junior drivers' races can be hard to figure out on paper.

''If he goes to the front or sits outside the leader, he'll be handy enough. He's a bit dumb in front all the same, but in or around the lead is where he will be.''

Anderson said Motu Moonbeam (race 6) was worth another shot after tyre problems over the closing stages at Forbury Park two weeks ago.

''She had a quiet workout on Saturday and I'm really happy with her. I expect her to be very hard to beat - she's back to a stand but her record from a stand is really good so I have no concerns.''

Add a Comment