Ciaron Maher’s training operation is familiar with the path to Derby glory via a strong three-year-old endurance type, and Dad And Dave is their current hopeful.
Dad And Dave lines up in the Listed 2200m showdown at Hobart on Friday night, gunning for a second Tasmanian Derby success for the Maher stable.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant-Trainer for Maher, disclosed that Dad And Dave was flagged as a Derby candidate ahead of his maiden breakthrough at Kyneton 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.”
Maher’s earlier Tasmanian Derby champ Explosive Jack in 2021 went forward to take the Australian Derby at Randwick, South Australian Derby victory at Morphettville, and a third placing in the Queensland Derby via Eagle Farm.
With a recent win in the Listed Launceston Guineas (2000m) under his belt, Dad And Dave enters Friday’s race in form.
As a gelding, he hopes to join Dunkel (2023), Bold Soul (2024), and Likeakalix from last year as three-year-olds who notched the double.
Turnbull commented on the strong incentives for running the up-and-coming stayer Dad And Dave there for valuable prizemoney.
“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.”
Visit the betting markets for the race to see the latest on the Tasmanian Derby.
The post Dad And Dave out to repeat history first appeared on Just Horse Racing.