The Logan stable of Northland knew Durham Town had speed before Saturday’s group three Darley Plate, but they now know he has character as well.
Durham Town had his rider dislodged when he was pushed into the running rail after colliding with Australian sprinter Atomic Force in the group one Telegraph Handicap (1200m) coming off the Trentham chute and onto the course proper.
It followed his Railway Stakes chances on New Year’s Day being hampered by a wide draw, but he showed he’d come through those races fine by beating Vonusti and Kitt And Miss in the 1200m Darley Plate.
Dean Logan, who trains Durham Town with Donna Logan, said Durham Town wasn’t the same horse when he got back from Trentham as when he left.
“He was just a bit quiet and it took a little while for him to get his bounce back. It may just have been the travelling, but it could have been a bit of worry too,” Logan said.
“We’ve galloped him in company with Upsala and Flash Hapi and put him in the middle of them. All thanks to (fellow Ruakaka trainer) Kenny Rae for allowing us to do that and giving us a bit of confidence that he wasn’t too worried.”
Logan said no firm plans had been set for Durham Town but the stable may consider running him at 1400m and 1600m before thinking of taking him to Australia.
“We think of going to Aussie and all that but it’s very hard with a sprinter,” he said.
“You feel a lot more confident going over there knowing you can get a mile.”
Vonusti ran on well from the rear but never looked like catching Durham Town, who won comfortably by a length.