Trans-tasman "Dash" for Bagrie trotter

Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Kiwi-based Queenslander and Trackside presenter is working in this country she's a regular contributor on all things racing. 

By Brittany Graham 

Tom Bagrie isn’t afraid to admit that it's “nervous times” as he prepares to embark on his maiden international racing campaign.

But with the right horse, and juicy stake money on offer, it seems the time is right.

Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Oaks winner Dash Dosh will contest the $150,000AUD The Great Square for three-and-four year old trotters at Albion Park next Saturday, July 4.

After her dazzling Addington win on June 12, she cemented her trip, and quite a journey it is.

The daughter of Trixton travelled from Christchurch to Auckland last week, before flying to Sydney overnight. She’ll then travel by road to Queensland this evening where she will be met by Bagrie tomorrow at Shannon Price’s property.

Price’s stable is set to play a huge role in the Constellations Carnival, headlined by former Bagrie trainee (Final) Deadline who was successful in Saturday's Redcliffe Gold Cup.

It will be three weeks between runs when Dash Dosh lines up in The Great Square, though Bagrie hasn’t ruled out a spin around Albion Park to familiarize her with the speed circuit.  

“I might take her into Albion Park this weekend for a look around, but I will see how she has come through all the travel first.”

Dash Dosh, the winner of seven races, is presently a $4 equal second favourite for The Great Square and shares that position with Tracy The Jet who she nosed out when winning the New Zealand Oaks last November at Addington.

Importantly under the preferential system the 4YO mares will draw inside the likes of favourite Mercano, with only one or two three-year-olds likely to take part.

It could be a huge night for the ‘Kiwi contingent’ with Marketplace very well favoured in The Rising Sun on the same evening.

After coming through his last start effort at Menangle extremely well, he will have his own chance to become familiar with Albion Park when he lines up in the Wondais Mate this Saturday (9.23pm New Zealand Time).