Dunn launches his Stradbroke bid with Lubrication at Doomben

By Glenn Davis

Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn will launch his latest bid for a maiden Group 1 when talented sprinter Lubrication makes his comeback at Doomben on Saturday.

But, first, Dunn hopes to smash his Group 1 hoodoo with Cepheus in Saturday’s Group 1 Doncaster Handicap at Randwick.

Cepheus is a Doncaster outsider but Dunn believes the six-year-old has a great chance if he overcomes a horror barrier of 16 in the 1600 metre feature.

“He’s going well and his form has stood up since he won the Group 2 Ajax last start at Rosehill,” Dunn said.

Dunn has only had 10 starters in Group 1’s and is yet to win at the highest level.

While Dunn is hopeful Cepheus can win the Doncaster, he also plans to send Lubrication down the Group 1 path to the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.

Lubrication was to be apart of a two-pronged attack by Dunn in the QTIS Three-Year-old Handicap at Doomben on Saturday but stable mate Tribeca Star wasn’t an acceptor after he pulled up sore on  Wednesday.

“He’s got a foot abscess but it’s not serious so we’ve had to wait another day with him,” Dunn said.

Dunn expects a strong first-up showing from Lubrication, who has started five times, but hasn’t raced since winning the Pierata Plate over 1200 metres at Doomben on December 3.

“Lubrication is going well and has had two barrier trials at Ballina and is headed towards the Stradbroke,” Dunn said.

“The Brisbane winter is coming up, so I’ve left plenty of petrol in the tank for his campaign.”

Lubrication’s winter program includes the Listed Mick Dittman Plate at Doomben on April 22 followed by the Gold Coast Guineas which will be run at the Sunshine Coast on May 6 due to the Gold Coast track renovations.

He also will tackle the Group 3 Fred Best at Eagle Farm on May 27 which carries a Stradbroke Handicap ballot exception to the winner.

“It may be that he might have to win the Fred Best to get into the Stradbroke but if he doesn’t make it then he’ll run in the Gunsynd on Stradbroke day,” Dunn said.