DEXTER DUNN SALUTES AT BIG M WITH WHITTAKER
Former champion NZ driver Dexter Dunn warmed up for Sunday’s $2.8 million card at The Meadowlands, New Jersey, with a winning treble on an under-card there on Saturday, including success with former Overport Lodge pacer, Whittaker.
Dexter, who topped a staggering $US11 milliion mark in winning driver pursess for the year this week, was able to win from the eight barrier in a $12,500 with Whittaker, these days prepared by Paul Blumenfield.
Whttaker settled in midfield improved to challenge turning for home and ran clear by a length and three-quarters in 1:52.2 (fifths) for the mile.
He turned his form round from a week earlier when after going hard early from the outside 10 draw for Tim Tetrick, he tired in the stretch to finish eighth.
Saturday’s win was his sixth for the year, while he’s also been three times placed, in 30 starts, earning $64.759.
Whittaker The has taken a 1:50 mile best on the mile track at The Meadowlands.
After entering the Mark Jones stable, Whittaker was renamed by Queensland owner Greg Brodie after the former doyen of NSW racing and sports reporters, Bill Whittaker, as the horse was by the sire, Sportswriter.
He did a good job in his Australasian racing, winning four of 12 NZ starts, then won six in Australia, including the Group Three Paleface Adios at Menangle in 1:53.9.
His fastest winnng mile at Menangle was 1:52.9.
Whittaker’s best showing in Australia was his fourth to Jilliby Kung Fu, Let It Ride and Atomic Red, in the Group One $200,000 Chariots Of Fire, won in 1:48.8.
He’s now won 16 lifetime from 61 starts for $170,000 in stakes.