Dzeko Aims To Score Another Big Win

By Stuart Turner

Dzeko provided her connections with a night to remember last week and her connections are hoping for more celebrations at tonight's Albion Park meeting.

Last week’s Group 1 Gold Cup winner faces another quality field of stayers in the Superstayers Invitational (710m).

Fellow gun Victorian Lady Toy and home challengers Mullaway and Hougienie are among the opposition in the listed race.

John Dart, whose son Sam trains Dzeko, said the family had enjoyed the memorable Gold Cup triumph.

“It was one of those things you dream about,” he said.

“Sam has only had his trainer’s licence for six months, so to get a Group 1 win was great for him.

“He had some of his mates up there and his girlfriend with him as well, so there were some great celebrations.”

Dzeko claimed the $75,000-to-the-winner Gold Cup in one of the races of the year last week.

The lead changed hands several times before Dzeko produced a remarkable late surge to triumph.

Click here to watch a replay of the race.

The win took the daughter of Radley Bale and Rematch’s career record to 11 victories and 12 minor placings from 37 starts.

Dart thinks Dzeko, who was named after the Manchester City player Edin Dzeko by his soccer-loving son Tim, can win again from box one here.

“I think Mullaway will lead and Lady Toy will run second,” he said. “It’s about whether Dzeko can get to the front.

“Last week she got pushed to the outside, which gave her the room to move.

Dzeko has pulled up well from last week and she is jumping out of her skin right now.”

Dart said it was a memorable triumph for his 24-year-old son, who combines training with running a lawn mowing and tree lopping business.

“When he was younger Sam was more into racing motorbikes,” Dart senior said. “It’s only in the last few years he’s become interested in racing as well.

“It’s great to see him do so well and good for the family that we have this bond between us.

“Some of his mates hadn’t been to the races before last week. They couldn’t believe how great it was – they had a great time.

“We’re not getting too confident – we’re just enjoying the ride with Dzeko.”

In other action at Albion Park, in-form Swap Ya looks the night’s best bet in race two.

Last week’s Flying Amy Classic runner-up Whata Nice Size is running superbly at the moment and should win the sixth.

For Albion Park Thursday fields, form and expert picks, click here.