Dryden hoping to extend winning form into new season

Veteran Canberra Trainer Keith Dryden will hope to begin the 2023/2024 racing season in the same dominant fashion that he finished the last.

Dryden had a day out on the final day of the Canberra racing season a fortnight ago, collecting four wins on the seven-race card.

“It was a good day for the team.” Dryden said. “We’re going into Friday with a number of good chances too which is exciting.”

In the day’s feature, the TAB Federal (1750m), Dryden has three chances in Wichita Warrior, Trooper Knuckle and Bringbackthebears. In a small but high-quality affair, Dryden thinks all three could win should the cards fall their way.

“I think they all have claims.” Dryden said. “Maybe Trooper Knuckle (on top), after his work earlier this week which was great.”

“Wichita Warrior has been racing without luck and just needs a track to suit.”

“Bringbackthebears is on the way up and while this is big step up in class, his win last start was very impressive.”

While Dryden will receive the accolades, picking up his seventh Canberra Trainers Premiership in 2022/2023, Dryden puts his stable’s success down to the hard-work of his loyal staff.

“Our staff are so important.” Dryden said. “Last week, we were everywhere with horses running all around the district.”

“Our success comes back to them, we do a lot of work outside of actually working the horses, with planning and scheduling.”

Dryden will have as many as seven runners at Thoroughbred Park this Friday.