One-time Queensland Derby fancy Beau Dazzler can rebound from second-up syndrome

News.com.au30-05-2025

Maddy Sears feels Queensland Derby contender Beau Dazzler may have fallen victim to 'second-up syndrome' last start, but says he will be back to his best for the big Group 1 dance on Saturday.
Beau Dazzler has long been one of the main fancies for the Queensland Derby but his odds have now ballooned to $26 after being beaten more than five lengths in the traditional lead-up of the Rough Habit Plate (2000m).
It was in stark contrast to how he returned in brilliant fashion when sizzling home for third over the unsuitable 1600m distance in the Queensland Guineas.
'We half expected him to run a bit like that second-up in the Rough Habit, a bit of second-up syndrome,' Sears, who trains with her dad Tony, said.
'He probably raced a bit fresh when he pinged the lids that day.
'He was also closer to the leaders in the run than what we anticipated.
'I don't think the 2400m of the Derby will be a problem for him at all.
'We want to come out quite neutral on him, we don't want him too handy and we want it to be a genuine tempo.'
Maddy and dad Tony hail from Toowoomba but Maddy has been training on the Gold Coast for several months.
The day after the Derby, Tony will move to the Gold Coast.
They duo will still retain a stable in Toowoomba but the operation will be based out of the coast.
It is an exciting new era for family training team and it will be even more exciting if they can kick it off with a maiden Group 1 triumph at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
'It doesn't get any better than that, a maiden Group 1,' Maddy Sears said.
'It would be the first one for me and the first one for Dad, it would be huge.
'It would also be (jockey) Jag's (Guthmann-Chester) first Group 1, so there would be quite some scenes.
'Dad and I work very well together and I am looking forward to Dad moving down to live on the Gold Coast.'