By Ray Hickson
Trainer Matt Dunn has his eye on a stakes race for promising filly Sachello if she can tick the 1200m box and make it three from three this campaign at Rosehill on Wednesday.
He’d also like to see a different side to the three-year-old, who has led throughout in both recent wins, in the Precise Fire Handicap (1200m) and take advantage of a favourable inside alley.
Dunn said he’s not afraid of Sachello leading but feels there could be an opportunity to conserve some early energy.
“I think there’s tempo and from that gate it’s a perfect chance to try box seating her,’’ he said.
“If (Nash Rawiller) comes out neutral on her she’ll put herself in front or box seat. It gives another dimension.
“She’s worked both times, it’d be lovely if we can and let something take her to the 200m.
“I wouldn’t like to see her go too quick but I’m not worried about 1200m. Whatever she is lacking late the toughness will come through. She’s a proper racehorse, she has a good dig.”
Sachello was thrown in the deep end on debut back in May, in the Listed Woodlands Stakes, and while she didn’t measure up at that stage it’s an insight into Dunn’s opinion of her.
She resumed at Newcastle in October and was too quick over the 900m then backed it up at Kembla Grange in a Class 1 over the 1000m and was $10 with TAB on Tuesday to complete a hat-trick.
Dunn’s plan, if she does win or go close, is to send her to his Murwillumbah stable and aim at a Listed race for fillies in Brisbane.
“She showed lots of talent early hence the reason I overplaced her at her first start. It was just all a bit much for her,’’ Dunn said.
“She’s beauty, I like her, she’s not quite mature yet and has a bit to go.”
The Warwick Farm trainer is itching to get last start winner Atlantic King out further in distance than the Ranvet Handicap (1800m) later this preparation.
The gelding rises 2kg after beating similar opposition over a mile at Randwick two weeks ago and has an awkward barrier to negotiate but Dunn can’t fault the horse.
“He’s as good as I’ve seen him,’’ he said.
“It was good to see him relax last start and even though he didn’t have cover he still came back well.
“I want to get him out over further, I’m thinking 2400m to give him an opportunity to use that great big action. I can see him rolling along in front over that sort of distance.”
Sachello wins at Kembla Grange on November 2
Dunn said the reason Atlantic King has only raced 13 times is more from bad luck than any major issues and is adamant he’s a Saturday quality horse.
A scratching is needed for I Am Good At This to gain have his second run back in the Vinery Handicap (1400m).
He was gelded after failing on debut then made ground to run fourth first-up at Kembla on November 2 and Dunn said there’s more to come.
“He was good first-up. I like what he did, I think he probably needs one more then he will find his right spot,’’ he said.
All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday's Rosehill meeting