A couple of runners to defy old ‘second-up syndrome’ at Dubbo

There was a time, many moons ago, we’d be wary of a horse’s second run in a new campaign. The ‘‘second-up syndrome’’, it was labelled.

Not any more. In fact, it’s now more a pivotal re-launch for the new prep. Blow out the cobwebs first run back, slice off some late-lingering fat, get a renewed feel for the caper, and let’s get serious. That all looms as the recipe for five-year-old Dubbo gelding and proven weight carrier Sprezzatura ($4 early) – by Testa Rossa from an Encosta De Lago mare – in the final race on his home track today.

Pedigree: Sprezzatura is by Testa Rossa, pictured, from an Encosta De Lago mare. Credit:Martin King

Resuming off an eight-month break he carted 60kg from a wide draw over an unsuitable 1100m, yet still worked to the line from well back to be beaten under three lengths.

Fitter now and up to 1300m from a better gate, this reads ideal for a lightly-raced galloper who will win much better races over a mile and beyond. You’ll go a long way to see a country horse with just one career win boasting a stronger SP profile such is his consistency and appetite for hitting the line.

Elsewhere, across an attractive betting program on a wide and spacious track where hard luck stories are few and far between, the second-up ‘‘strike zone’’ is again in play in Race 2 on three-year-old Gulgong gelding Larynx ($3 early) from the Brett Thompson yard.

Scratched from Mudgee Cup day to be saved for this, Larynx also resumed off a long break with a smart closing third in a strong maiden (1100m) three weeks back.

He naturally steps up for the second-up run, with leading country rider Greg Ryan jumping aboard for the first time.

So, second-up from a spell is no longer a syndrome, more a thunderdome – except several horses enter and only one leaves.

Dubbo Best Bets

Best R7: (3) Sprezzatura
Next best R1: (2) Healing Hands
Best value
Race 3: (6) Dad’s Boy

Supplied by Racing NSW

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