Dunstan put in another pleasing performance to finish fifth at Thirsk Racecourse, and it’s starting to look like a matter of time before he gains that elusive first turf win.
With the ground slightly softer than ideal for him, he was sent off a 16/1 shot for the race, and did best of the double-figure odds runners, with the first four home priced up at 4/1, 9/1, 3/1 and 100/30. After breaking well out of the stalls, he raced keenly during the opening stages and appeared to want to get on with things, but jockey Franny Norton eventually got him into a rhythm and got him in a good position around midfield. e started well and was up with the leaders in the early stages of the race. When the pace quickened, he was unfortunately slightly too far back and despite staying on strongly towards the finish, he couldn’t catch the front four.
Jockey Franny Norton said after the race:
“He’s a lovely horse. He was a little bit keen in the early part of the race, and going around the first bend, he slipped and ended up being slightly further back than ideal. Once he relaxed I got him into a nice rhythm and I loved how he finished the race, staying on strongly through the line. That tells me he had more in his locker and that he should be able to win on grass, probably when the ground is a bit better. I like him a lot, he’s got a great attitude. ”
The morning after the race, trainer Tom Dascombe reported:
“He trotted up perfectly sound this morning, and has eaten up all his food, despite getting back just after midnight! He’s absolutely fine and we’re looking forward to his next race.”
It was another good effort from Dunstan, and Tom Dascombe is already looking forward to running him again soon and getting a deserved turf win added to his record in the near future.
You can view Dunstan’s profile HERE.
