Strawberry Boy set for first-up win

Two solid trials and race statistics have Matt Dunn believing veteran galloper Strawberry Boy can win first-up at Doomben for his new trainer.

The eight-year-old runs in Saturday’s Group Three BRC Sprint (1350m) seeking his first win since June 2015.

Dunn has several horses for Strawberry Boy’s owner John Singleton who also bred the gelding who has previously been trained by Gai Waterhouse, Peter Moody and Chris Waller.

Singleton sent Strawberry Boy to Dunn hoping life at the trainer’s semi-rural Murwillumbah stables might spark his old form.

Dunn said both Strawberry Boy’s trials had been solid.

“At his latest he was third behind another of my horses Perfect Dare. It should have got him fit enough to tackle Saturday’s race,” Dunn said.

He also pointed to the fact Strawberry Boy has had two starts at Doomben for two wins.

“Strawberry Boy has also won four times first-up and he has won twice on soft tracks. He isn’t getting any younger but this race should suit,” Dunn said.

Strawberry Boy has been entered for the Group One Stradbroke Hcp (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 10 but is likely to be aimed at lesser races.

“At this stage I will keep him in Quality races, so the handicapper might be nice to him,” Dunn said.

“The Spear Chief Stakes, Wayne Wilson Stakes and Glasshouse Mountains Sprint are all Group Three or Listed races around the 1400 to 1600 metres and they are the types of races for him now.”

Dunn also has Perfect Dare in the BRC Sprint but he is doubtful because of the rain which has hit Brisbane.