Dundeel, who turned heads with his last-to-first win at Wyong last week, will race under a new name this spring.
For the rest of his racing career in Australia, he will be named It’s A Dundeel, returning to his original name when he races in New Zealand.
This is to avoid confusion with Done Deal, a three year old filly trained by Chris Waller.
Trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman at Cambridge in New Zealand, Dundeel won his first start impressively at Ellerslie in April.
He came across to Australia with big wraps, which were proven justified with his eye-catching win at Wyong.
By High Chaparral from a Zabeel mare, he looks a stayer in the making, with plans for him to follow a similar campaign to that undertaken by 2010 Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer.
Lion Tamer, who was also trained by Baker, ran in the Gloaming Stakes, Spring Champion Stakes and AAMI Vase prior to his Derby triumph. He was euthanased after he broke down after the post following the 2011 Cox Plate.
Name changes are not uncommon when horses cross the Tasman.
In recent times, the most notable horse to have his name changed is nine time Group 1 winner Mufhasa, who won last year’s Toorak Handicap and this year’s Futurity Stakes in Australia as King Mufhasa.
Dundeel is expected to have his next start on Saturday week at Warwick Farm, in either the Listed Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) or a restricted 1600m race on the same card.
