A start in the rich Doncaster Mile at Randwick is the dream, but a more modest race at Caulfield on Saturday is the reality for in-form galloper Dany The Fox.
Trainer Mick Price gave an indication of his high opinion of Dany The Fox by nominating the horse for the Group One Doncaster Mile feature “just in case”.
“The Doncaster would be the dream for him,” Price said.
“But in truth I’d be happy if could win a couple of Saturday races in Melbourne.”
Dany The Fox indicated he had returned in good order with a first-up win at Sandown last month.
But Price said it was the ability he showed in winning a race when below his best during his previous preparation that could be the best guide to the horse’s ability.
“He was a bit light in condition and his coat wasn’t right last prep,” he said.
“He’s a better horse this preparation … he looks good and he’s going great.”
Dany The Fox is prominent in betting on the Pin and Win Competition Handicap (1400m), a race that represents a substantial rise in class for the gelding.
But he has a corresponding drop in the weights in a race that on paper is wide open.
The race has also been chosen for the return of the Robert Smerdon-trained Shewan, the winner of the 2011 Group Two Herbert Power Handicap.
Shewan has shown an ability to come to hand quickly and Saturday’s race is short on genuine class.
“It should be too short for him, but he’s quite a genuine horse and I wouldn’t be surprised if he showed up,” Smerdon said.
Shewan’s finished third in the Group Three Eclipse Stakes last time out in the best run of his spring preparation and is heading toward a possible Sydney autumn campaign.