Racing: Effortless victory celebrates return after long break

Dipped 'N' Grey holds a nomination for the Telegraph Handicap in Wellington next month but trainer Don Dwyer is not getting carried away with future racing plans.

The four-year-old unleashed an effortless front-running performance for victory at Te Rapa yesterday following a 13-month break from racing.

Dipped 'N' Grey powered over the 1200 metres in 1.11.6 to score by 1 3/4 lengths over the solid finishing Hasta La Ciao Ciao and Divining Rod (third).

Dwyer has been patient with the speedster after gelding him following a series of disappointing performances as a three-year-old.

"He's a horse that has always had a stack of speed and potential but he really got worked up one day after racing and narrowly getting beaten by Falkirk," said Dwyer.

"He became very coltish and that run seemed to take the edge off him so I decided to geld him and give him a nice long break from racing.

"At this stage I'm taking him to Hawkes Bay for a race on January 1 and then I'll sit down and consider his future racing plans.

"I've nominated him for the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham but he would be a long shot to get into the field," Dwyer said.

"I have no doubt that he'll be able to step up to that class of sprinter next season. A race I'd like to target next season with him is the Stewards Handicap at Riccarton in November."

Dipped 'N' Grey has three wins and five minor placings from 13 starts and is a proven performer over 1200 metres on varied track conditions.