Red Mile: Dunn sweeps Tattersalls paces with Dancin Lou, Bettor's Wish

Dexter Dunn was the leading driver during the Grand Circuit Meet at The Red Mile, and he added two more victories to his total in the pair of $270,000 Tattersalls divisions for 3-year-old male pacers on Sunday afternoon, visiting the winner's circle with Dancin Lou and Bettor's Wish.

In the first grouping Dancin Lou and Dunn moved up to grab the top spot away from U S Captain (Matt Kakaley) passing the 27 second opening quarter, then released Little Brown Jug champion Southwind Ozzi (Brian Sears) on the way to the 54 3/5 half. When Can't Beach That (David Miller) only offered a tepid first-over bid around the last turn, Sears backed down the tempo to just 1:23 at three-quarters, but that kept the other horses in the game as they turned into the lane.

Despite that slow third quarter, Southwind Ozzi drifted out some in the stretch, and that gave an opening for Dancin Lou to come through. It was a sprint to the wire, but Dancin Lou had the better kick, out-finishing Southwind Ozzi to win by a head in 1:49 4/5. Shake That House (Tim Tetrick) gained nicely from second-over to get third.

"This is a dream come true. I just can't believe it. I'm in shock. I'm shaking. Normally you won't find me tongue-tied, but oh my God," said elated winning trainer Tahnee Camilleri. "The connections were looking for a trainer for him this season and I'd sold them a couple horses last year. I'm just thankful they decided to give an Aussie girl chasing the American dream a shot."

"He really liked the big track as well, and I think he likes the clay surface. He stays like a mother-in-law, so the big track suits him."

David Kryway and 1362313 Ontario Ltd. own Dancin Lou, a Sweet Lou colt. This was his tenth career victory, and he has now earned $265,859. A 9-1 offering, he paid $20.40 to win.

Dunn was on the heavy favorite in Bettor's Wish in the second split, and he would take back to fifth while Captain Crunch (Scott Zeron) dashed to the point and reached the first quarter in 26 3/5. Captain Crunch continued on to the half in 55 seconds, but he was attacked by a first-over American Mercury (Tyler Buter) past that point, and he was able to clear Captain Crunch for command, leaving Bettor's Wish first-over and a length behind at the 1:21 3/5 three-quarters.

Although he was left without cover on the rim, Bettor's Wish was able to forge his way by American Mercury in the lane, and then he held off a surging Captain Crunch, who split foes to find room in the last eighth, to prevail by a neck in 1:48 4/5. Air Force Hanover (Simon Allard) came on for third.

"He felt really good despite being first-over," Dunn remarked.

Trainer Chris Ryder also co-owns Bettor's Wish, a colt by Bettor's Delight, with partners Bella Racing Ltd., Fair Island Farm Inc., and Bettor's Wish Partners. Bettor's Wish is now a 16-time winner, and he has now pocketed $1,564,500. He paid $2.60 to win as the 1-5 choice.

"I was concerned about Captain Crunch. He was second last week, but he raced well. He made us go, so it was a little anxious, absolutely, but we held on, obviously," stated Ryder. "There's really not much to say. He was a nice 2-year-old, and he's just improved. The time off or whatever, just from two to three, he's just a faster animal."

When asked what was next for their colts, both winning trainers simply exclaimed, "Breeders Crown, baby!"