Dan headed off to Ararat today with three good chances. Debutant, Jester Storm finished second in the first race, after racing quite greenly he gave connections an effort to be enthusiastic about and should show good improvement in the near future.
In race three he saddled up Our Kobi Jade who was racing first up this preparation with 42 weeks between runs. The four year old, by Ferns, joined Dan's stable half way through her previous preparation and managed to run second on two occasions so Dan was keen and confident to start afresh with her. "First up over the mile can be risky but I have been extremely happy with this mare and knew she'd done enough work going into this. She's a lovely horse to train and she has the relaxed nature that stayer's require so I'll continue to step her up in distance and grade as she progresses". Her owner, Graham Wheeler, missed her race as he's overseas at present, but hopefully there'll be more wins to celebrate!
Dame Dietrich was the unlucky story of the day, with her getting blocked for a run at the crucial stage of her race so keep an eye out for her next time.