Dorf Command gives Conners a smile

Sydney trainer Clarry Conners finally had something to smile about with Dorf Command when she overcame a run of bad luck with barriers to win the Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich.Connors has been plagued by a string of bad barriers for his Queensland winter carnival team and Dorf Command has been no exception.The three-year-old filly drew gate 16 in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1350m) and although she was trapped three deep throughout she stormed to the line under the vigorous riding of J

Sydney trainer Clarry Conners finally had something to smile about with Dorf Command when she overcame a run of bad luck with barriers to win the Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich.

Connors has been plagued by a string of bad barriers for his Queensland winter carnival team and Dorf Command has been no exception.

The three-year-old filly drew gate 16 in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1350m) and although she was trapped three deep throughout she stormed to the line under the vigorous riding of Jim Byrne.

Dorf Command ($7.50) scored by a half-head over $71 chance Go Johemma while Kisani ($15) was three-quarters of a length away third.

Conners stayed in Sydney to watch Apparitions win at Rosehill and he and a large group of friends cheered Dorf Command across the line.

"She really deserved that," Conners said.

"She has had a terrible time with barriers and it's very important for her to get black type.

"I don't know whether she will back up next week in the Winter Stakes.

"I don't really want to run her and Apparitions against each other in the Sunshine Coast Guineas and I'm not afraid to take on Ortensia.

"Dorf Command ran second to her in Sydney and I thought she was a bit unlucky so I'm not afraid to take her on again."

Dorf Command cost $10,000 as a yearling and was syndicated by Classic Thoroughbreds with Conners also a shareholder.

Dorf Command failed by a half-length to beat Ortensia in the PJ Bell Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 11 and was blocked for a run when fourth to her in the Glenlogan Park Stakes (1350m) at Doomben on May 16.