Racing: Fast pace will suit Dunn

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John Dunn is hoping the aggression and class of his rivals actually works in his favour in two of today's Alexandra Park features.

Dunn partners star filly Venus Serena in the Sires' Stakes Championship, as well as Franco Nelson in the Manukau Cup and expects to be on the markers in both races.

That could pose a real problem for Venus Serena, in particular, as she could well end up three back with nowhere to go until late in her group one event.

"I probably have to stay on the markers with her but it looks like there will be plenty of speed in the race, which will really help," says Dunn, who has been in career-best form.

"If they go hard early then the gaps should come late and I think she is good enough to take them."

That will be a big change of tactics for Venus Serena though, as she has usually outstayed her rivals rather than outsprinted them.

"She had to come up the passing lane two starts ago when I got caught napping mid-race and ended up trailing so that experience might help."

Dunn hopes to use Franco Nelson's gate speed to cross to the markers early in the Manukau Cup but may then have little choice but to hand up to Easy On The Eye, who is a relentless front runner.

"Trailing him wouldn't be a bad thing as he tends to roll along and I think we would get our chance."