KOOLMAN

When Double Dip arrived in Australia from Hong Kong almost two years ago after failing to settle into the busy environment of Sha Tin Racecourse, he was just "looking for a good home". Well... I think he must be happy to call Warwick Farm home after winning his fifth race last Saturday in a period of twelve months. Under the guidance of 3kg apprentice Tracy O'Hara and an allotted weight of 59.5kgs "Dippo" led a merry dance right from the jump, made a winning break at the 400m and managed to hold on by a half neck in 1.10.61 running the 600m in just 33.85. Double Dip has not been an easy horse to place in races, he was elevated straight to Class 6 here in Australia after winning only one race in Hong Kong. All his wins have been at Class 6 level at Wyong, Warwick Farm and Kembla Grange. With only one more win available to him in this company he will take on 1400m (a distance that he has not yet tested) this Saturday at Randwick for a winners prize of $40,000. Double Dip is not an easy horse to love but he is making up for his biting, kicking, bucking and striking of those who ride, groom, walk, swim and feed him, by going out there and putting in when it matters. If Dippo hasn't been told once it was a thousand times " it's a good thing you can gallop mate...or else" . So we obviously have an understanding around here between man and beast, lets hope it continues, even if the races are getting longer and stronger.