By Glenn Davis
Trainer Matt Dunn is hopeful youngsters Xanthus and Devine Grey can book places in next month’s QTIS Jewel for two-year-olds when the pair run at Doomben on Saturday.
Dunn has been a major player at Magic Millions QTIS March sales in recent times with the support of his bloodstock agent, Neil Jenkinson.
“Neil and I have been going to the Magic Millions sales every year for the past few years and we both look at the yearlings before deciding which ones to buy,” Dunn said.
Dunn’s bid for the $500,000 Aquis Jewel at the Gold Coast on March 16 gets underway with Xanthus engaged in the QTIS The Emerald Jewel Prelude (1200m) for fillies while debutant Devine Grey tackles The Quartz Jewel Prelude (1200m) for males.
Both youngsters will be ridden by Robbie Fradd.
Xanthus, a $44,000 buy, has been nominated for the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick in April but is unlikely to go south.
Xanthus made an impressive debut finishing second to Tony Gollan’s smart youngster Vincere Volare over 1110 metres at Doomben on February 16.
The Better Than Ready colt’s performance didn’t surprise Dunn after his impressive barrier trial form earlier this month.
“He’s pretty smart and he trialled well before his debut,” Dunn said.
“The horse that beat us (Vincere Volare) also looks to be pretty good.
“I’m expecting him to run well on Saturday and hopefully get into The Jewel which will be his last run before he goes for a break.
“I doubt whether he’ll be back for the Brisbane winter carnival.”
Devine Grey was bought for $21,000 as a weanling by stable clients of Dunn and made her first public appearance in a 1000-metre barrier trial at the Gold Coast on February 19.
“I normally like to give my horses two trials before they run but Devine Grey has only had one trial and is ready to run,” he said.
“She’s got a lot to learn but her trial was very good so I thought we might as well start her instead of giving her another trial somewhere.”
Racing Queensland webnews February 28