Favourite backers were in a cold sweat as long odds-on favourite Dunkel needed the length of the straight to run down the lone filly in the race, Soul Choice, in Friday night’s Listed Kevin Sharkie Launceston Guineas (2100m).
The Patrick Payne son of Dundeel and the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained daughter of Redoute’s Choice had met at their previous start at Flemington. The result was a half-length win to the gelding that day, and the filly reduced the margin to a neck in the Guineas.
The $201 local hope Happy Clan (Tough Speed) was five and a quarter lengths back in third.
The Tulloch Lodge horses are tough to run down when in front, and Jordan Childs had Soul Choice freewheeling out in front.
Harry Coffey had the favourite one out and one back but mounted a challenge well before the turn, and it proved the winning move.
“There would be few six-horse fields as interesting as that one,” Coffey said.
‘A brilliant ride by Jordy in front. The filly ran well, but our fella has a bit of class.
“I was able to ride him a bit closer today. I admit that in the run, I was giggling because I don’t think Jordy expected me to be this close.
“If we had been any further back, he would have been vulnerable.
“I was lucky that I was close enough on the corner to make a race of it.
“He loves to win and attack the line, so what more can you ask
“Every time he goes to the races, he improves and is still learning.
“It’s great to bring him to Tassie – it will help him grow up.”
Dunkel advances his record to an impressive four wins and a second from five starts with earnings of $304,500.
The stable indicated that Dunkel would remain in Tasmania to ready for the Tasmanian Derby at Hobart Racecourse on February 10.
Bred by Pencarrow Thoroughbreds, Dunkel was a $40,000 Karaka yearling purchase for Steven Ramsay and made $100,000 when offered by Ohukia Lodge at the 2021 NZB Ready To Run Sale.
He is the best of five winners from as many to race from the stakes-placed Cape Cross (IRE) mare Kudamm who missed to Ocean Park in 2020 and Epaulette in 2021.
Dunkel is the 20th stakes-winner for Arrowfield Stud’s Dundeel, who has enjoyed tremendous success in the apple isle through the deeds of 5-time stakes-winning millionaire The Inevitable.
