Racing: Dunn answers Rogerson's call for help

Dexter Dunn. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Racing's wonderboy Dexter Dunn has answered an SOS from leading trainer Graeme Rogerson to be at Alexandra Park tonight.

That could give him a major hand to play in the $300,000 Pick6.

Fresh from another record-breaking season, Dunn is riding a high after being selected to represent New Zealand in the world drivers' championships in New York next season.

"That is a huge buzz, to represent your country, especially racing in the States," says the 21-year-old.

That comes off the back of a 168-win season in New Zealand last year, putting him 37 clear of David Butcher.

While well short of his unbelievable 204 wins the previous season, Dunn finished second on the money-won list with over $1.9 million in stakes but his drives won an extra A$600,000 in Australia, meaning he drove the winners of more than $2.7 million last season.

"It was an amazing season really, even better than driving the 204 winners the year before," said Dunn.

"I wanted to concentrate on driving more big race winners and it worked out that way.

"To still win the premiership was a bonus."

Just eight of those wins came at Alexandra Park but while Dunn started last season admitting he had yet to come to terms with the style and quirks of the right-handed track, he feels far more comfortable there now.

"I drove there a lot last season and have got my head around it and feel good heading there now," he says.

"So when I got the call to come up this week I didn't hesitate."

Dunn was contacted by Rogerson on Monday because his stable junior driver Simon Lawson is away this week, while the King of the Park, Tony Herlihy, is also not driving tonight.

Dunn will partner A New Sensation (race one), Just Wicked (seven), Cullens Crown (eight) and Cruzee Cullen (nine) for Rogerson, who is training in his own name tonight after the break-up of his partnership with Steven Reid.

"Cullens Crown has to be a good drive, especially now there are some scratchings in that race," said Dunn.

"And the other three all look to have chances, especially A New Sensation from the draw."

Dunn will also partner the improved Another Impact in race five, the first leg of tonight's big jackpot.

"I drove him up there a few months ago but it sounds like he is getting better and went a good time last week when he won," said Dunn.

Before tonight's action starts, Dunn's focus will be across the Tasman where his star 3-year-old drive Smiling Shard chases a spot in the Australasian Breeders Crown semi-finals.

Smiling Shard races in an ABC repechage at Yarra Valley at 5.38pm (NZ time), with Gavin Lang sitting in for Dunn as they take on smart NSW pacer Chariot King.

"He is pretty well so I am sure he will be hard to beat and if he makes the semis next Friday then I will go over to drive him."