Cambridge trainers Craig and Shaun Phelan have lofty ambitions for their stable’s new acquisition, Dawn Patrol (NZ) (Dawn Approach).
The six-year-old gelding won six races for former trainer Frank Ritchie, including the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m), and placed in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), and Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m).
On the advice of Ritchie, Dawn Patrol has been transferred to the care of the Phelans, and their association got off to the perfect start at the Taupo trials on Monday when the son of Dawn Approach won his 1025m heat.
“It was Frank’s idea that he came to us and we are very grateful that he put us forward to try him,” Shaun Phelan said.
“He has been with us for over two months now, all of this prep, and Dad does all of his work on the treadmill, and I ride him once or twice a week.
“We didn’t know how he was going until he lined-up today and it seems to be working.
“Today we were more interested in hearing what Jonathan (Riddell, jockey) thought of him because he knows the horse more than anyone, and he was more than happy with him.”
Phelan said Dawn Patrol is a pleasure to have in the stable and they are now eyeing a potential tilt at the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day with him.
“It is a privilege to have him,” he said. “We weren’t sure what we would do with him but luckily enough we did chuck a nomination in for the Railway and we may dream of aiming for that.
“We will try and find a couple of lead-up races. Looking at the book there are plenty of options with open handicap races going around.”
Phelan was also pleased with stablemate Big Mike’s (NZ) (Don Eduardo) runner-up effort behind Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) in his 1225m heat on Monday.
“He had a hit-out today and hopefully he can go to the Counties Cup (Gr.3, 2100m),” he said.
“Since it has been moved to Te Rapa (this Saturday), we thought we would aim for that. He likes Te Rapa and while we have had the rain around we thought we would have a crack.”
Meanwhile, Phelan is looking forward to welcoming Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) home after his fifth placing in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
“It was a big run from him, but everything didn’t go his way,” Phelan said.
“I thought it was a pretty good effort and I think he can win one of those races in six months’ time when he matures a bit more.
“He was only a maiden two or three months ago, so it has been a pretty good effort from him.
“He is on a flight tomorrow and we will get him in the paddock and hopefully aim for the Auckland Cup (Gr.2, 3200m).”
