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Busy Busy Busy For Team Dixon

24 January 2019

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It’s a busy time for the Grant Dixon stable this weekend.

The leading Queensland horseman has a total of 31 runners engaged across the two meetings being staged at the Breakfast Creek oval of Albion Park (Friday & Saturday).

And then he’ll return to Albion Park on Sunday for the Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sale ready to inspect a number of youngsters for his clients who will be looking to purchase their future star.

But it’s also a very important weekend for the trainer.

With stable star Colt Thirty One being readied for a tilt at qualifying for the Gr.1 $200,000 Chariots Of Fire at TABCORP Park, Sydney, he’s trying to sort out who makes the trip south with his ace four-year-old.

“I’m looking at taking three horses and the only confirmed runner at this stage is Chester (Colt Thirty One), I’ve got Tennyson Bromac shortlisted but it depends on how he performs this weekend while the other spot is up for grabs.” Dixon said.

Both Colt Thirty One and Tennyson Bromac start this Saturday night.

Much to the dismay of punters last weekend, Colt Thirty One missed the place for the first time in his career at his home track when fourth behind Mach Alert in the Open Pace after starting from a sticky draw at the sprint distance (1660m).

His effort to finish as close as he did given the sectionals he was forced to run underlined that he remains on track for his Sydney campaign after starring during the recent Queensland summer carnival.

On Saturday night, he has drawn the outside of the second-line (gate 11) in the Congratulations Dr Pat Aldons Celebrates 40 Years @ Prince Charles Pace over 2138m.

“I thought he went great, it always was a tricky race given the fact he hadn’t raced for a month and had a very awkward draw with speed drawn to his inside. He just couldn’t really get into the fight until it was all but over; he hit the line well and come through it in very good shape.

“Obviously he’ll be better for his effort last week and it looks a little easier compared to taking on those seasoned open class types. The rise in distance is a bonus and he’ll find his groove much easier this week.”

Former New Zealand pacer Tennyson Bromac lines up in the Pryde’s Easifeed Rising Stars Championship Final after scoring a stylish victory in his heat a week ago.

The four-year-old scored a tough win after racing without cover for the bulk of the 1660m event and then holding off the challengers from Blingittothemax and Aqua Miss.

The Bettors Delight entire rated 1:54.3.

“It was a very good debut for the stable and given he hadn’t trialed prior, I’m expecting a fair bit more from him in time to come.

“It’s hard to assess where he’s at right now and this weekend will tell us a lot more, it won’t be easy from that draw over the sprint trip.

“I would like to think he could measure up for a Sydney campaign but nothing will be confirmed until after the weekend.”

Tennyson Bromac joined the Dixon stable following his purchase from the All Stars stable of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen by Kevin and Kay Seymour.

Boasting 5 wins from 15 starts, the talented pacer looks destined for better things judging by his first-up victory.

The other heat winner last week also came from the Dixon stable with classy mare Fame Assured scoring a decisive victory in 1:56.2.

The Mach Three mare is unbeaten in three starts to date this preparation and is also raced by the Seymour couple.

In other news from the stable, talented New Zealand pacer Classie American has joined the fold.

Purchased by Greg Mitchell, Classie American has started jog work this week and will be aimed at features later this season.

A winner of 8 races from 42 starts, the American Ideal five-year-old finished fourth behind Ashley Locaz in his most recent start, the Gr.3 $30,000 Summer Cup at Alexandra Park, Auckland on December 7.

Classie American has banked more than $75,000 in stakes to date.

 


Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | January 24 | Photo by Dan Costello