Racing: Dunn to depend on acceleration

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Dexter Dunn is relying on raw speed to get him out of trouble at Cambridge tomorrow.

Dunn has seen his two pre-draw favourite drives in Franco Nelson and Sheemon drift in the markets after drawing the second line, which is especially challenging in 4-year-old races as their opponents are strong enough to see out a hard-run mile without coming back to them.

That is where speed comes into play.

Franco Nelson is not only the fastest horse in his race but one of the fastest in the country and that gives Dunn two options tomorrow: to sit and wait in the three-wide line or blast as soon as the field settles and get into a race-winning position.

"He has unreal speed and that could help him overcome the draw. So I still think he can win," says Dunn.

Sheemon also has real speed for a trotter but probably not the strength to hold it for as long as Franco Nelson.

He also has the problem of meeting two genuine open-class rivals in the trot in Prime Power and Royal Aspirations.

If they go to war early that could aid Sheemon, as could the fact that there is plenty of speed wide on the front line. "We are drawn wide on the second but I will try and follow them through so we can settle in the first half of the field," said Dunn.

The champion driver, who had driven a remarkable 26 winners from 86 drives this month up until yesterday, was not concerned by Sheemon finishing a distant third at the Cambridge workouts last Saturday.

"I discussed it with Kevin [Townley, trainer] and horses who have had a hard run at the workouts the week before often haven't performed on Jewels Day.

"So Kevin gave him a quiet one and I was thrilled with that."

While Dunn will play the hunter with his 4-year-old drives, he would love to be the hunted with Art Union in the freshman pacing final.

He was unlucky when second in the Sires' Stakes Final at Addington last start while not as good as favourite Follow The Stars, who could be receiving a 10-length start from him after 200m.

"My guy got caught a little flat-footed at the start last time but the gate goes really fast on Jewels Day and that helps from barrier one.

"So I think he will lead or trail and that makes him the one Follow The Stars has to beat."

He also has Katy Perry as a winning hope in the juvenile fillies pace but from a wide draw, in an even field, her $7 odds are realistic.

Democrat Party has been forced out of tomorrow's meeting with a suspected leg fracture. She pulled up sore inside the last 400m of her final pre-Jewels workout at trainer Barry Purdon's property yesterday.

"It is a terrible shame for her connections," said Purdon.

Democrat Party had been the equal fourth favourite for her division.

Experts' fancies

Michael Guerin
Best bet: Ideal Belle.
Each-way: Royal Aspirations.
Bolter: Mossdale Conner.

Aaron White (Commentator)
Best bet: Franco Nelson.
Each-way: Fight For Glory.
Bolter: Charleston Belle.

Greg O'Connor (Trackside)
Best bet: Supersonic Miss.
Each-way: Prince Fearless
Bolter: Mighty Flying Mac.

David Butcher (Cambridge champ)
Best bet: Adore Me.
Each-way: Monbet.
Bolter: Chachingchaching.