Danever

At two years

Trained by David Hayes, Danever won impressively in his first start at Sandown. In his next start he ran 9th to Due Sasso in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude. David Hayes than sent Danever to Adelaide for the Breeders Stakes (over 1,200 metres) when he finished third, three lengths behind De Lago Mist. At his next start in the Group one (G1) Sires Produce Stakes in Melbourne Danever finished third behind De Lago Mist and Ulfah. He was scheduled to run in Sydney's Sires Produce but instead he was sent for a spell.

At three years

Danever started his three-year-old season with a fifth behind Haradasun in the Vain Stakes. At his next start he started in a 1,400 m 3yo race which he won by 1½ lengths. In the Caufield Guineas Prelude Danever dead-heated for fourth, 3.6 lengths behind the Bart Cummings trained Wonderful World. Danever was a 6/1 chance for the G1 Caulfield Guineas where he finished eighth, 4.1 lengths behind Wonderful World. His main target now was the VRC Derby over 2,500 metres at Flemington.

Efficient spoils the party

Danever's next start was the G2 Moonee Valley Vase at Moonee Valley. His main rivals were Excites (who ran 2nd in the Guineas), The One, He's No Pie Eater (the impressive sydneysider) and the emerging Efficient. The race was run at a good pace with He's No Pie Eater in the lead and at the top of the straight, it was Excites leading from The One, Efficient and Danever ridden by Craig Williams. Efficient ended up winning, from The One and Excites outfought Danever for 3rd. Craig Williams dropped the whip and that cost him a placing. In the VRC Derby, it was Efficient's day. The Geelong Classic winner Gorky Park led from Teranaba and Majestical. At the 200 m Danever was threatening Gorky Park and Teranaba for the lead, but Efficient was the superior horse. With a huge burst of speed, Efficient won by 2 and 1/2 lengths from Gorky Park and Teranaba. Danever finished third. Danever didn't appear to run out the 2500 m.

Danever lived in the shadow of Hayes' other 3YO's. Clockwise- Miss Finland beats stablemate Permaiscious, Gorky Park, Anamato beats stablemate Catechuchu, Churchill Downs & Muzdaher (in the middle).

Finding it hard to win

Danever started his autumn campaign with an impressive second to Haradasun at Caulfield. His next start was the Shannon Stakes (1800M G2) which was also at Caulfield. Danevers' main rivals were Gorky Park, Furio, Pacino, the filly Indelible and the promising Ambitious General. The race was run along at a handy pace and at the 200m, Danever had a big lead. But Ambitious General pulled off some great sectionals to win in the last stride.

Danever disappointment

Danever was sent to Sydney along with Miss Finland, Rewaaya, Gorky Park, Anamato, Husson Lightning and others. Danever was sent out in the G1 Rosehill Guineas as a 9/1 chance. His main rivals were Ambitious General, He's No Pie Eater, Gorky Park, Redoute's Dancer & the emerging Fiumicino. Danever ran a horrible race and finished 7 lengths behind the winner, He's No Pie Eater.

He backed up a week later in the G2 Tulloch Stakes and he went 6th, 7 lengths from the impressive winner Tipungwuti & Pacino. He wasn't racing in his best form, but they sent Danever again in the AJC Derby (2500M G1) the next week. He started at 60/1, but he raced like he was 500/1. The favourite was the legend filly Miss Finland. Danever was ridden by champion jockey Glen Boss but even he couldn't guide the 3yo to a place. Danever was under the whip at the 600m and he tailed off last, 76 lengths from the winner Fiumicino. That wasn't impressive by any means and Danever was sent for a spell.

More disappointment

Danever came back next campaign in the Aurie's Star Hcp (1200) but he ran second last behind Monet Rules. He ran well back in two listed events at Flemington and Caulfield before running back a class in an open handicap at Flemington. It was an improved showing but it was obvious that Danever was in need of a gelding. He had two more runs in the campaign, he ran handily in the Coongy Hcp before being fancied but running last in the Kyneton Cup.

The future

Danever was gelded after the spring and ran very well in two races in Adelaide before being a $2.20 favourite in a 2 Metro Win Last Year Handicap at Cheltenham. He ran last. Danever recently won a jumping trial and track-watchers in the Winning Post were impressed. If Danever shows his best form over the hurdles, he'd be very hard to beat.