No Dawson For Damian Despite Record Trial

TRAINER Tony Rasmussen is set to bypass the rich Harrison-Dawson with his sprinting phenom Victa Damian despite a track record breaking trial at Angle Park on Monday night.

The star son of Fernando Bale covered the 515 metre journey in a flying 29.84, just inside Wow She's Fast's 29.86 track record, set winning the TAB Match Race Challenge last September.

Rasmussen had planned to head toward the $100,000-to-the-winner Harrison-Dawson with Victa Damian but has instead elected to stay at home and tackle the Group 3 Howard Ashton at Angle Park.

Both events get underway on Thursday, May 11.

"The South Aussie's taken the lead, he's raced away!"

Victa Damian triumphs in the Group 1 National Derby Final. @wentyparkgreys @Thedogs_com_au pic.twitter.com/a0GmDRoPkM

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 21, 2023

"The trial didn't surprise me at all – for him it was just a loosen up," Rasmussen said.

"His (12.24) run home was unheard of."

Rasmussen said the decision to stay at home was made with the dog's long term future at the forefront.

"He's had a lot of travel to start the year so for where he's at now a few weeks at home will do him the world of good," Rasmussen said.

"The Howard Ashton is perfect for him and a few confidence boosting runs against his own age won't hurt at all.

"I've said all along whatever we do with him now will set us up for a big second half of the year and I think this works best for him and his future."

Last seen when fifth in the $500,000 The Sandgroper at Cannington on April 14, Victa Damian will tackle the three-week Howard Ashton series, age restricted and open to SA bred dogs only, as a piping hot favourite.

Winner at 10 of his 16 starts, the reigning National Derby hero is currently a $8 third favourite in all-in betting for the Harrison-Dawson behind Amron Boy and Rejuvenate.

News of his confirmed absence from the series will see him removed from markets.