It’s A Dundeel is all systems go for what promises to be a highlight of the BMW Autumn Carnival, Saturday’s $500,000 ATC Ranvet S. G1 over 2000 metres at Rosehill.
That’s the clear message from the latest video in his online Diary, following his Autumn campaign through to the ATC Queen Elizabeth S. G1 at Randwick on the final day of The Championships, 19 April.
The 4YO entire opened his Autumn campaign with a one-length second to specialist miler Boban in the Chipping Norton Stakes G1 on 8 March at Warwick Farm. This time he meets the outstanding Melbourne and Australian Cup winner Fiorente.
Interviewed after the 4YO entire’s gallop in company over 1600 metres on the course proper at Warwick Farm, trainer Murray Baker said, “Dundeel pulled up well from the Chipping Norton, we’re very happy with him.
“He’s derived considerable improvement from that first race and stepping up to 2000 metres, a fit horse, it should suit him better. I think Dundeel will continue to improve, he just needs a bit of racing, being a four-year-old, a little bit older, and he’s certainly on the improve the last couple of weeks.”
Arrowfield is the majority owner of the son of High Chaparral who will wear the Stud’s famous black and yellow silks for the second time on Saturday.
James McDonald, his jockey in all but one of his previous 16 starts, will once again have the ride. The pair will jump from barrier 1 in the nine-horse field, which also includes last year’s Ranvet Stakes winner Foreteller, Hawkspur (3rd in the Chipping Norton), Silent Achiever (dominant last start winner of the ARC New Zealand S. G1) and Her Majesty the Queen’s proven Group 1 performer Carlton House.
The last time It’s A Dundeel raced at Rosehill, he romped to victory in the 2013 Rosehill Guineas G1, beating subsequent Doncaster Handicap G1 winner Sacred Falls by almost 7 lengths.
However, his trainer anticipates a much closer battle this time. “He’s pretty well, he looks good in the coat. Dundeel’s got a good turn of foot as we know, Fiorente is an excellent stayer. It should be a good tussle.”
