Dunn galloper back in distance for Eye Liner Stakes

By Glenn Davis

Trainer Matt Dunn is hopeful he’s finally figured out his British import Cepheus ahead of his bid to win the Listed Eye Liner Stakes for a first time at Ipswich on Saturday.

Cepheus was a $600,000 buy by OTI Racing after winning over middle distances in the United Kingdom and was once considered a Melbourne Cup hope in 2021.

However, he bowed a tendon when he finished last in the Listed Tatt’s Cup at Randwick that year, which forced him to have a lengthy spell to recuperate.

Cepheus returned to racing and was placed in his first two starts over 1200 and 1350 metres at Doomben last year before claiming the Group 2 Ajax Stakes at Rosehill. 

Unlike most British stayers, Cepheus showed his dislike for wet tracks when he beat two runners home in the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap at Randwick in April.

Dunn then considered aiming the six-year-old at the Group 1 Doomben Cup last month but pulled the pin, preferring to keep him to shorter races.

“The Doomben Cup was our original plan but we changed tact,” Dunn said.

“I think he’s a better horse kept fresh.

“I think he’s a great chance now the early favourite Far Too Easy is out.

“He won the Ajax in Sydney when he led all the way over 1500 metres at Rosehill so he’s shown he can sprint well fresh.”

Cepheus has drawn well in barrier six and will be ridden by Brodie Loy who is chasing back-to-back Eye Liner wins after last year’s success aboard the Annabel Neasham-trained Holyfield.

Dunn has made a crucial gear change and will revert to Cepheus wearing blinkers.

“I’ve put the blinkers back on because he’s coming back in trip after he ran third in the Chairman’s Handicap,” Dunn said.

“I only took them off him when he was racing over longer trips.”

Dunn hopes Cepheus can find a midfield spot from his draw but won’t be surprised if he leads.

“I’d expect him to be midfield somewhere or wherever he’s comfortable but he could even lead if he has to,” he said.

“He runs really well and he’s very sharp and fresh and happy.”

Dunn is hopeful of qualifying Cepheus for the $3 million The Big Dance at Randwick in October.

“After this run, he’ll go to the South Grafton Cup which is a qualifying race for The Big Dance,” Dunn said.

Cepheus was an early $9 chance in TAB markets for the Eye Liner Stakes but is now into $6.50 following Far Too Easy’s scratching.