Track no concern for Patterson’s stakes hopes

[Wandering Eyes]

Group One hope The Dirty Dee will spearhead a strong team at Trentham for Robbie Patterson and unlike a number of trainers, he’s unconcerned about the prospect of rain-affected ground on Saturday.

The New Plymouth conditioner is bullish about the chances of his daughter of Derryn in the Gr.3 NZB Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) as she works her way toward the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie.

“A wet track definitely won’t worry her, and I gave her a good jump-out on Monday and she found the line really strongly and pulled up well,” Patterson said.

The Dirty Dee was an impressive debut winner on her home track before she finished runner-up at Trentham in early December.

“She was just unlucky and got a knock that cost her winning and she’s done nothing wrong, that’s for sure,” Patterson said.

Safely through this weekend, the filly will make her next appearance in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2100m) on February 7.

“She’ll go to Te Rapa and then on to the Oaks, that’s the plan and I may even trial her right-handed which would be ideal ahead of Ellerslie,” Patterson said.

Craig Grylls will be aboard The Dirty Dee and will also take the reins on the stable’s other black-type contenders on Saturday, One Bold Cat in the Gr.3 Totara Lodge Trentham Stakes (2100m) and Belles Beau in the Gr.2 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (160m).

One Bold Cat bounced back to his best with victory under 58kg in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m) and under the set weights and penalties conditions will drop back a kilo.

“He was really good last time and no reason at all why he can’t carry on with it,” Patterson said.

“He’s done super well since then and he’s a happy horse.”

Belles Beau finished runner-up most recently in the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) and will relish the step up in distance.

“He got home well and he’s screaming out for a mile, the ground will be perfect, so he’ll have everything in his favour if he gets a bit of luck,” Patterson said.

Outside of his stakes contenders, he also likes the chances of Belles Fate in the Neteffextpayroll Handicap (1400m).

The Iffraaj mare finished an encouraging third when resuming over the course and distance last month and her fortunes will also be guided by Grylls.

“She was super the other day fresh-up behind that smart horse (Afternoon Siesta) for John Bary,” Patterson said.

“Any easing of the ground won’t worry her at all, and she’s really thrived since that run, she wouldn’t have to improve much to win a race like this.”

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