Dalton Shard (NZ) Bursts Into NZ Cup Frame

Dalton Shard (NZ) (Always B Miki) burst into New Zealand Cup contention with his biggest win yet in the $42,000 Group Three Allied Security Maurice Holmes Vase (2600m) at Addington on Friday night.

The NZB Standardbred graduate qualified for New Zealand’s greatest race when powering home to win the first New Zealand Cup qualifier of the season for trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn and driver Robbie Close.

With the Dunn stable starting a huge team of six horses in the race, Close landed a pickup drive behind Dalton Shard and he made the most of his opportunity by delivering the best possible result.

The reinsman gave Dalton Shard a sweet trip three back on the inner before working him off the markers before the home turn.

Though Close thought he may have got his timing wrong, Dalton Shard’s result showed he timed his run to perfection.

“I sort of thought I half went too early, but he kept fighting,” Close said.

“It is a big thing for the Dunn stable, they get them firing on the big nights and he was firing tonight.”

Dalton Shard was purchased by the Dunns’ Diamond Racing for $67,500 when the pacer was offered by breeder-vendors Shard Farm at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

The four-year-old has been a consistent performer in strong company throughout his career and clinched a deserved Group Three title with his Maurice Holmes Vase win.

Co-trainer Robert Dunn is excited about the prospect of Dalton Shard stepping up to take on the ultimate test in New Zealand harness racing in the Group One New Zealand Cup (3200m).

“He just keeps getting better and he isn’t finished yet so he will be there,” Dunn said.

The Dunn stable produced the quinella in Friday night’s feature with Charlie Brown (NZ) (Art Major) rallying strongly along the inner to take second.

NZB Standardbred graduates Double Time (NZ) (A Rocknroll Dance), Ohoka Connor (NZ) (Sunshine Beach), Who’s Delight (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), B D Joe (Roll With Joe) and Anything Goes (American Ideal) each ran meritorious races behind the placegetters.