By Glenn Davis
Trainer Matt Dunn believes his star sprinter Care To Think may not be at his top for his long-awaited return in the Group 3 TAB George Moore Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
The George Moore Stakes is the first leg of the Summer Crown series.
Care To Think has not raced since his failure in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Doomben in June when his chances were ruined by a wide barrier and a heavy track.
The five-year-old was previously beaten in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and Group 1 Kingsford Smith during the winter after resuming from his Group 3 placing in the Liverpool City Cup at Randwick in March.
He was set to make his comeback when a pre-post favourite for the $1 million The Kosciusko at Randwick on October 13 until he was ruled out with an elevated temperature.
“He hasn’t raced since he underwent airway surgery after the Stradbroke,” Dunn said.
“He’s going as good as ever but I think he’ll probably need this run that’s why I’m giving him three runs instead of two before his main assignment in the Magic Millions Cup.”
Care To Think will have his next start in the Listed Lough Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on December 15 before attempting to defend last year’s wins in the Listed The Buffering (1350m) and Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast last summer.
Dunn is delighted with Care To Think who will be ridden for the first time by Ryan Maloney.
“He had a good barrier trial and his work has been very good,” Dunn said.
“He worked very strongly over 1000 metres on Tuesday morning and ran good time.”
Care To Think drew barrier one in the field of nine in the TAB George Moore Stakes.
“He’s never drawn a decent barrier in his life so I’m delighted with the draw,” Dunn said.
“He’s never been ridden properly so far because of his wide draws and just about every start he’s had to be hunted out of the barrier.”
Care To Think will be attempting to become the latest galloper to join the millionaire’s club during the TAB Summer carnival.
A win in the George Moore Stakes will see his prizemoney soar to within $13,000 of smashing the $1 million barrier.
That’s not a bad return for connections who outlayed only $16,000 for him as a yearling at the Magic Millions sales.
Dunn has never won a feature at the highest level but remains optimistic Care To Think can eventually carry him to Glory 1 glory.
Racing Queensland webnews November 28