Addington run for Dillon Dean

Press, 29 January 1988, Page 25

Addington run for Dillon Dean

Special correspondent Auckland It is probable that Dillon Dean, a brilliant winner at Wednesday’s matinee meeting at Alexandra Park, will have his first start of a new campaign in the South Island. Dillon Dean’s partowner and trainer, Don Dwyer, gave thought to taking the horse out of the Auckland district because there were no suitable race programmes by northern clubs.

An event Dwyer has selected is the $ll,OOO Shipleys Vision and Sound Handicap, over 2600 m at Addington next week. "Providing all the arrangements at their end are satisfactory we’ll be going down,” said Dwyer after the trial.

Dillon Dean will again be stabled at Brent Smith’s, although he now has new premises. Dillon Dean overcame a 20-metre handicap to effortlessly beat a useful field in the main heat on Wednesday. Driven by Maurice McKendry, Dillon Dean began well but settled at the tail of the field with only Smooth Jack behind him.

The Australian-bred, Nintoku, with trainer Ross Olivieri driving, carted the field along at a good clip.

McKendry did not make his move until the 700 m when Dillon Dean followed Peter Baker around three wide. Turning for home he was just in behind the leading division.

McKendry had Dillon Dean alongside Nintoku in a flash and, after steadying a little, urged him clear to win by a length. Nintoku fought well for second a length and a half in front of another Australian, Jayora Glen (Peter Wolfenden), with Belle Jane fourth.

Dillon Dean glided to the line under a strong hold. The ease of the win belied his speed over the final mile in 2:0.1, the 800 m in 56.9 s and the 400 m with his ears pricked, in 27.85.

“He sure is a lovely horse,” said McKendry as he climbed from the sulky. “He just cruised it. I think he suits me, this fella!”