The Ciaron Maher stable understands precisely what is required to secure a Derby victory with a talented three-year-old stayer, and they are optimistic that Dad And Dave is the one to deliver.
Dad And Dave is set to pursue a second triumph in the Tasmanian Derby for the Maher team as he lines up in the Listed event over 2200m at Hobart this Friday evening.
Jack Turnbull, who serves as Maher’s National Assistant-Trainer, revealed that the stable pinpointed Dad And Dave as a potential Derby contender prior to his maiden success at Kyneton back in December.
“Which Derby we weren’t sure,” Turnbull said.
“But he’s got here at the right time.
“When he ran and won his maiden, it didn’t scream to set him for any other Derby at the moment, so we’ll see how he runs on Friday night but there is the potential to come back and look at Adelaide if he was still sound and well.”
The Maher stable’s prior Tasmanian Derby victor, Explosive Jack from 2021, progressed to claim the Australian Derby at Randwick along with the South Australian Derby at Morphettville, and he also placed third in the Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm.
Heading into Friday night’s contest, Dad And Dave arrives off a victory in the Listed Launceston Guineas (2000m) from his latest outing.
The gelding seeks to follow in the footsteps of Dunkel (2023), Bold Soul (2024) and Likeakalix last year, becoming another three-year-old to achieve the double.
Turnbull noted that this presents an excellent chance to earn substantial prizemoney for the emerging young stayer Dad And Dave.
“It’s good racing down there, the prize money is decent, they look after you really well and the facilities are really great,” Turnbull said.
“It’s only a short flight and it’s attractive to go there.
“He’s a lighter-framed horse that has always been straight forward and is one we have been wanting to get out a trip.
“The 2200 metres, it’s a nice step for him. He’s had a good foundation, and it doesn’t look too strong a race.”
Check the Australian betting sites for the top odds in the Tasmanian Derby.
The post Dad And Dave out to repeat history first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
