Ace harness racing trainer Ross Olivieri predicts ‘the sky is the limit’ for Dynamite Dude and is bubbling with confidence ahead of Friday night’s Autumn Championship at Gloucester Park.
Olivieri has formulated ambitious plans for Dynamite Dude, declaring the gelding has the ideal make-up and the ability to be a major player in the $1.8million TABtouch Inter Dominion in Perth next November and December.
Those plans involve sending the six-year-old for a well-earned spell after his feature race appearance.
Dynamite Dude has drawn the prized pole and Chris Lewis looks set to attempt an all-the-way victory over the 2130-metre journey.
Lewis led throughout with the Olivieri-trained Sensational Gabby in last week’s $50,000 Empress Stakes, but he looks certain to opt to drive Dynamite Dude in preference to the mare, which will start from gate six.
Chris Voak appeals as the likely replacement behind Sensational Gabby.
Olivieri revealed he had planned to send Dynamite Dude for a spell after his strong, hard-working victory off 20 metres in a 2503-metre stand a fortnight ago.
“He dug very deep to win that race and that’s why I didn’t run him the following week,” Olivieri said. “I was going to tip him out, but he was bouncing around the paddock so well after his latest race that I thought I would roll the dice one more time.
“However, I’m going to tip him out after this run, win, lose or draw.”
Most believe Dynamite Dude is simply a standing-start specialist, and with good reason, considering he is unbeaten from nine starts in stands for Olivieri, while he has won only twice from his eight runs in mobiles.
Olivieri scoffed at the perception, explaining Dynamite Dude had drawn the front line only once from behind the gate.
“Dynamite Dude gets away smartly in mobiles,” Olivieri said. “He’s not lightning, but is quick enough to hold his ground.
“He has been in a mobile trial at Pinjarra in which he drew one and was able to lead comfortably and win. He’s got enough gate speed and I am expecting him to hold up.
“Pacific Warrior is going very well, but from barrier five he’ll have to do some work, and I think any horse will have to worry if he races outside Dude.
“You know that Dynamite Dude is not going to toss the towel in.
“Looking at the Inter Dominion, I think he’s the sort of horse who will be suited by the three heats and Final in the space of a fortnight.
“I think he’s got more improvement in him, and once you get him fit, you don’t have to work him too much between races…just line up – he’s got the constitution and toughness to stand up to this type of series racing.”
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KEN CASELLAS