Cepheus looking to bounce back from Doncaster disappointment

Top photo courtesy of OTI Racing

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Matt Dunn believes punters should put a line through Cepheus’ Doncaster Handicap flop and is hopeful the imported stayer can bounce back into Queensland Racing Carnival contention at Doomben on Saturday.

Cepheus tackles the Listed Tails Stakes over 1615 metres after failing to handle the heavy track in last month’s Group 1 Doncaster Handicap at Randwick.

The OTI-owned galloper was originally purchased from Europe for the Melbourne Cup but is now a sprinter-miler and managed to beat only two home in the 1600-metre Randwick feature.

“His form leading up to the Doncaster was very good and I thought he had a good chance in the Doncaster before the rain came,” Dunn said.

“He was six deep the whole way in the Doncaster but once the rain came, he was just making up the numbers as he’s hopeless in the wet.

“He’s come through the Doncaster well and he’ll be competitive but he needs a dry track.”

Cepheus is being aimed at next month’s Group 1 Doomben Cup and will have his next start in the Group 2 Hollindale Cup at the Sunshine Coast on May 6.

Dunn is looking for his first Group 1 as a trainer and has further irons in the fire for the Stradbroke Handicap and J J Atkins in June.

Dunn’s Stradbroke hopeful Lubrication takes his next step towards Queensland’s premier sprint in the Listed Mick Dittman Plate, while unbeaten Oceans Of Energy heads to the J J Atkins after the QTIS Two-Year-Old Handicap.

Lubrication won the Pierata Plate over 1200 metres at Doomben in December before putting in a game performance when a first-up fourth to the Rob Heathcote-trained Ekaterina at Doomben on April 1.

“He’s drawn badly which sucks but he should be fine as he’s best ridden soft,” Dunn said.

“His last run was very good when he loomed up to win at the 200 metres but then his run peaked 100 metres out.

“He’s dropping back slightly in trip which won’t hurt and he’s got a better sprint on him than most in this race.”

Lubrication is penciled in to start in the Gold Coast Guineas next start which will be run at the Sunshine Coast on May 6 before the Group 3 Fred Best at Eagle Farm on May 27.

The Fred Best winner is exempt from a ballot for the Stradbroke Handicap.

Oceans Of Energy will be joined by North Of Eli in the QTIS Two-Year-Old and has been impressive winning her two starts at Grafton and Doomben.

“I liked Oceans Of Energy’s win at Doomben last time and she’ll head towards the J J Atkins later in the carnival,” Dunn said.