Burridge reaches new all-time high

Michael Lee
Sunday, August 01, 2010

Leading trainer Steven Burridge broke his own record of winners when the progressive Dynamic Dan downed a stronger field to record back-to-back wins on Sunday.

Burridge bettered his score of 51 winners in 2008 with the Danetime six-year-old's victory bringing up his 52nd for the year, to be 10 winners clear of six-time champion Laurie Laxon.

A last-start winner in a Class 4 race over 1400m, Dynamic Dan was taking on stronger company in the $75,000 Class 3 race over 1200m, but Burridge, who also owns him, thought he had a chance with his light weight (50.5kg) and top rider on his back, despite being a major drifter in the market to start at $75.

Leading jockey Joao Moreira seized the chance with both hands by rating Dynamic Dan to perfection, albeit surprising Burridge a little with the change of tactics.

Dynamic Dan runs his rivals ragged under Joao Moreira.

Known more as a horse who gets back, Dynamic Dan came out like a flash to be the first to vie for the lead. Seeing there were no takers, Moreira settled his mount into the unusual role, going on to enjoy an uncontested lead for most of the way.

Rounding the home turn, Palombaro (Barend Vorster) threw down a strong challenge but Dynamic Dan easily contained it before pulling away to put the issue beyond doubt.

Rank-outsider Gold Key (Muhd Firdaus) emerged from the ruck to run second just under four lengths away, with Master Magic (Soo Khoon Beng) battling away in third another nose away. The winning time was 1min 12.14secs.

“He had no weight on his back and the best rider. That helps,” said Burridge.

“I didn’t tell Joao to lead but just told him to put him wherever he was comfortable. He surprised me a little when he led but he had an easy lead and he was just too good on the day.

“He fully deserves the win as he has been one of the most consistent horses at Kranji bar one (13^th at his second-last run).

“The bonus is I own him as well!”

Dynamic Dan was at his fourth success from 24 starts, returning stakes earnings of more than$175,000 for Burridge.

Moreira said that although he had never ridden Dynamic Dan, he thought he would be among the quickest in the small nine-horse field.

“Steven and I discussed and we thought he was among those with some early speed but we weren’t sure,” said Moreira.

“He jumped the best and I took the lead very easily. I think they probably underestimated him and thought he would come back to them.

“But he gave a very good kick in the home straight to score an easy win. He also proved today he is very versatile as he can win on both grass and Polytrack."

Dynamic Dan's previous three wins were all registered over turf between 1200m and 1400m.