Melbourne Cup 2024 the focus for Dunkeld's Autumn

Trainer Patrick Payne has meticulously crafted a three-run autumn blueprint for his highly promising stayer, Dunkel, with the ultimate goal of securing a coveted spot in the prestigious Melbourne Cup.

Dunkel, a talented four-year-old son of Dundeel, has showcased remarkable form, boasting an impressive record of seven wins from 10 starts. His latest triumph over 2000 meters at The Valley on December 30 underscored his potential as a formidable contender in the racing circuit.

Following a brief respite to recharge, Dunkel is poised to embark on his autumn campaign under Payne’s astute guidance. The campaign kicks off with a Benchmark 100 race over 2000m at Caulfield on February 24. Subsequently, Dunkel is set to challenge the $300,000 Pakenham Cup (2500m) on March 15 and the $500,000 The Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington on March 30.

Of notable significance, The Roy Higgins event offers a golden ticket into the illustrious Melbourne Cup, a coveted achievement that Payne and Dunkel are diligently pursuing. Payne expressed confidence in Dunkel’s readiness, indicating a slight deviation from their initial plans, which briefly entertained the idea of aiming for the Adelaide Cup.

“We’ve adjusted our strategy slightly as we’ve given him a freshen-up and geared him towards these races,” Payne remarked. “The timing aligns well with his campaign, and we’ll assess his performance to gauge his potential for the Melbourne Cup 2024. It’s an exciting prospect, and I’m eager to see how Dunkel fares.”

Dunkel, a victor in the 2023 South Australian Derby, made a notable return to racing over 1800m at Caulfield on November 18, clinching second place behind Let’srollthedice before securing victory at The Valley. As Dunkel gears up for his autumn campaign, anticipation mounts as racing enthusiasts eagerly await his performance on the road to the Cup.

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