Murwillumbah-based trainer Matthew Dunn is set to field a modest contingent at Monday’s Grafton race meeting, with a quartet of runners across two events poised to continue the stable’s successful run. While his focus is also on the upcoming $1 million Evergreen Turf Country Championships Final at Randwick with his in-form mare Considered, Dunn will use the Grafton fixture as a crucial tune-up.
Two Promising Fillies Duel in Maiden Plate
The stable’s younger talent will be showcased in the Rabbit Ride-Share Maiden Plate (1115m) at Grafton, where two of Dunn’s charges, Foxy Artist and Ivantheinvincible, will go head-to-head. This exciting clash will see Jett Newman in the saddle for Foxy Artist, while Andrew Mallyon will pilot Ivantheinvincible.
Dunn expressed optimism about both fillies. “They are both nice horses,” he stated.
Foxy Artist, having impressed on debut with a strong finish for third at Grafton, followed up with a respectable fourth at Goulburn. She enters Monday’s race first-up after a solid preparation involving two barrier trials. “She’s drawn gate one with Jett [Newman] to ride and should get every chance from there,” Dunn added, highlighting her advantageous starting position.
Murwillumbah trainer Matthew Dunn will field a small but promising team at Grafton.
Ivantheinvincible, a Russian Revolution gelding, makes her racing debut after a series of four barrier trials. Dunn noted her recent form, “He’s had a couple of trials this month for a fourth at Grafton before winning the latest of them at Beaudesert. He’s a Russian Revolution gelding and we are looking forward to seeing him in action at the races.” His recent trial win at Beaudesert suggests he’s ready to make a strong impression on debut.
Stablemates Clash in Class 2 Handicap
The Clarence Valley Office Supplies Class 2 Handicap (1190m) will witness another internal stable rivalry, with Gaylord and Superstitious set to compete against each other. Andrew Mallyon will partner Gaylord, while Jett Newman takes the reins on Superstitious.
Dunn believes Gaylord has the inherent talent to perform well. “Gaylord has shown talent having won two from nine,” he commented. His previous victories have both come at Grafton, and with Mallyon, who has previously ridden him to success, in the saddle, there’s a strong understanding between horse and jockey. Gaylord is returning from a spell and his most recent run at Ipswich, where he wasn’t far off the winner, indicates he’s primed for a good showing. “He’s had two runs back from a spell and wasn’t beaten far in the latest of them at Ipswich so he should be ready to run well on Monday.”
Jett Newman will be in the saddle for Foxy Artist, while Andrew Mallyon rides Ivantheinvincible.
Superstitious is coming off a confidence-boosting victory in his 14th start at Grafton on March 5th. Dunn is confident that Superstitious can replicate that winning form. “He’s always shown us plenty of talent and it was a good, strong win last time out,” Dunn remarked. “He should be thereabouts again.” His recent win demonstrated his capability and Dunn expects him to be a strong contender once more.
The trainer’s strategic placement of these runners in their respective races suggests a calculated approach to maximising their potential and building on the stable’s recent successes. The Grafton meeting provides a valuable platform for these horses to gain further racing experience and potentially add to their win tally.
