Racing: Dunn snr's turn to be in the limelight

Harness racing's proudest Dad could be about to launch another young star.

Robert Dunn comes north to Alexandra Park tonight still beaming after the staggering achievements of his son Dexter, who has just set a record for wins in a season by a New Zealand reinsman.

Robert is himself no stranger to major success, having won a New Zealand Cup with Mainland Banner and an Auckland Cup with Master Musician.

So when he says Mach Banner could develop into a top young horse, punters should take note.

Mach Banner makes his debut at Alexandra Park tonight in the prelude to next week's $100,000 NHT Sales Series Pace.

Dunn said Mach Banner had not come north simply because he was eligible for the race - he was bought specifically to win it.

"Next week's race is the main reason we bought him," said Dunn.

"We paid good money for him and syndicated him, and I am happy with how he is developing."

Mach Banner, a relation of Mainland Banner, was bought after winning his only trial in style and Dunn said the colt had progressed well since.

"He is still on the way up and the main target isn't until next week but he is a lovely colt.

"I think he has more scope than a regular Northern Hemisphere-time horse. I think he is a very nice juvenile."

Dunn is training Mach Banner from Alexandra Park, a ploy he used to perfection with Yankee Dream before she won a group one race here last month.

"He has settled in well enough and handled the track well when I worked him on Wednesday.

"He has eaten up entirely but he will get better as the week goes on."

Dunn believed Mach Banner had the natural speed and gait to utilise barrier two tonight. He heads a strong southern raid on tonight's race and the $100,000 feature next week.

Fellow Canterbury pacer Sign Maker, the only race winner in the event, is a logical danger.