Duxagain To Go To Head Of Class At Coffs

Wednesday, 30 November 2011 23:46

Duxagain has kept new trainer Paul Smith guessing prior to his debut for the stable at Coffs Harbour on Friday.

The lightly raced seven-year-old gelding by Honours List tackles the Key Employment Benchmark 55 Hcp (1007m).

Previously trained and owned by John Beagan, Duxagain was purchased by Smith privately and raced by his partner, Anne Diggens.

Duxagain didn't start racing until January 2010 and from nine starts has recorded a maiden win at Muswellbrook and five placings.

"A friend of mine from Newcastle recommended him," Smith said.

"He's a nice horse and arrived sound as a bell.

"I've had him in work for two-and-a-half to three months.

"On his form before I got him you'd have to think he can win races but it's hard to get a line on him in trackwork.

"To be honest I wish he was showing a bit more on the track but he may be one of those horses that saves his best for raceday.

"We'll find out a lot more tomorrow."

Smith describes Duxagain as slabby.

"He's not robust, just tall and well put together," he said.

"I was told he could be a bit stirry but he appears to have settled in well and looks really good."

Smith gave the gelding a jump-out on his home track recently to test him.

"He wanted to sit back in the stalls but showed fairly good speed when he got going," he said.

" Once again though, I thought he could have gone better.

"When you look through his form he's led previously and other times settled midfield.

"He's a long striding horse, and while he's a seven-year-old he's only had two preparations and I believe, is still green with room for improvement.

"The one thing I want to see tomorrow is him get to the line.

"The 1000 metres might be a bit short but as long as he hits the line, I'll be happy and so will Anne I'm sure.

Raymond Spokes has the mount.

Bookmakers have kept Duxagain safe as the $4 opening favourite.