Cranbourne trainer Nathan Dunn bullish on Vasmee in $250,000 Country Mile Series Final at Flemington

Small Cranbourne trainer Nathan Dunn bullish about Vasmee winning Saturday’s Country Mile Series Final at Flemington.

Vasmee ridden to victory at Pakenham by Arron Lynch. Picture: Racing Photos

Vasmee has turned $5500 into $80,000 in three starts for Cranbourne trainer Nathan Dunn, who is now staring down a six-figure windfall in Saturday’s $250,000 Country Mile Series Final at Flemington.

Vasmee qualified for the final on All-Star Mile day with a six-length demolition at Pakenham last month.

Despite also winning a jumpout by eight lengths 10 days prior Vasmee was sent out an $8 chance.

Suffice to say the connections, who secured 10-1 odds, cleaned up.

“He’s a beast that horse, I can’t wait to get him to Flemington over the mile,” Dunn said.

“Just the way he broke their hearts at Pakenham, it’s a very similar track to Flemington, a big spacious track with a long straight, good luck getting past him, I think.”

The first three past the post in five select heats qualified for Saturday’s final, along with Michael Hickmott-trained Beltoro, an impressive wildcard winner last Friday at Bendigo.

First prize on Saturday is worth $137,500 to the winner.

Dunn, who only has eight horses in work including Vasmee, bought last year in an online auction, hailed the importance of the Country Mile concept.

“To have legitimate Saturday metro competitive horses on big days, like Super Saturday and All Star Mile days, is helping me promote the stable,” Dunn said.

“I’m a young trainer with a young family that’s been pigeonholed, because predominantly I’ve been a horse breaker and pre-trainer the last 20 years.

“I’m trying to shake that and get my client base and potential clients to think of me as a trainer, not just a breaker.

Arron Lynch will ride Vasmee should he be able to make the allotted weight.

Meanwhile, Dunn will aim talented Corona Lad towards the Listed Bendigo Guineas (1400m) on March 26 after an impressive display on Saturday.

Corona Lad defied a bad barrier and interference at Flemington to charge into fifth, with slick closing sectionals, after settling last in the run.

The eye-catching performance has further enhanced existing Hong Kong interest in the three-year-old.

Originally published as Cranbourne trainer Nathan Dunn bullish on Vasmee in $250,000 Country Mile Series Final at Flemington