Dandino put in an eye catching run in last years Caulfield Cup which saw many punters come for him in the 2013 Melbourne Cup. He didn't get the job done that day but was only 3 lengths behind Fiorente in running fifth.
Dandino, currently at $15 with Sportingbet., is one of the new breed of European horse that likes to travel the globe. He has run in Great Britain, America, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia; so the travel “down under” shouldn't pose any problems.
Prior to his most recent outing where he finished fourth in the Group 3 September Stakes at Kempton, Dandino narrowly missed out defending his title in the American St Leger at Arlington in Texas, running second to the amazing The Pizza Man. Frankie Dettori took the ride on Dandino that day and was happy with his performance.
“I had the perfect race,” Dettori told SkySports. “Turning in I thought we would win, but (The Pizza Man) never stopped. He ran really hard to the line. He's coming back to form now.”
Dettori is also hungry to win Australia's biggest race so don't be surprised to see him saddle up Dandino here come November. Prior to his run in the American St Leger, Dettori confirmed in a SportsNews article that the Marco Botti trained galloper was looking at another Australian campaign.
“If all goes to plan his next target would be the Caulfield Cup and then the Melbourne Cup. That's the plan.”
Dandino is owned by Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, so connections may also look towards Aussie hoop Craig Williams who has ridden the horse before. Williams may have become available now that Mt Athos has succumbed to injury and wont make the trip to this years Melbourne Cup. It would be a nice position to choose between two of the best riders in the world.
For a European staying type Dandino is getting to an optimum age and has had the right amount of starts to be at his best this year. Don't be fooled by his slightly questionable record. He has amassed around 2 million in career earnings and has spent his career racing in the world's biggest races against the world's best horses. He could easily start this race as a clear favourite if things fall his way.