Stonewall heading to spring

The powerful harness racing stable of Steve and Amanda Telfer has most of it’s high end horses in work and being prepared to resume for spring racing.

The stable currently has seventy three wins on the board and will be looking at growing those numbers heading into the serious part of the season.

Four year old Ohoka Connor (Sunshine Beach) has had just six starts this season resulting in two wins at Addington. And he ran second in the G2 Superstars Championship and third in the G3 Central Otago Cup.

“He’ll be trialing in ten days time. He’ll have two trials and race first up in the Maurice Holmes Vase (23^rd hoppling August). He’s always been a big rangy horse. In this last spell he’s really developed, and Mandy says he’s looking more like a man now. He’s a horse that’s done a great job so far and I’m sure he’ll continue to do so.

“He’ll be aimed at the New Zealand Cup. The standing start may be a bit of a concern. He was good early on but in the last couple he’s just missed away. We’ll do some work on that at home and at the trials,” Steve said.

From just nine starts so far this season, four year old mare Sweet Diamond (Sweet Lou) has won three races including the Listed Uncut Gems Mares Classic.

“She’s done well during her break and she’s well into her campaign. She’s three to four weeks away from having a trial.”

Built For Glory (Bettor’s Delight) started nine times this year, winning five races. His biggest win was in the G2 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes.

“He’s had a break but is back in work and being hoppled. He’s a nice horse that was maybe just behind the good ones. We’re hoping he’ll bridge the gap this time in. He’ll be at the trials in the next month.”

Alta Meteor (Art Major) from nine starts has recorded three wins this season. He won the G3 Autumn FFA, G2 Superstars Champion and ran third in the Listed Country Championship Final at Addington.

“He raced in the Auckland Cup so he’s a wee bit behind the others. He’s only just started hoppling. He’ll miss those early races but he’s a horse that’s clean winded, easy to train so he won’t need as much preparation. He’ll head to the Cup as well.”

BD Joe’s (Roll With Joe) last race was last year’s New Zealand Cup.

“He had some filling in his leg around his fetlock joint. After the Cup he had some clean up surgery on his joint. He’s ticking all the boxes so far and is working well.  He’ll trial in about ten days time. He’ll also have two trials and race in the Maurice Holmes Vase. After having not raced for a while he may need a race or two at that level to recapture his best form.”

Double Jeopardy (Captaintreacherous) has had six starts so far this season, winning once. He ran a close second to Built For Glory in the G2 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes.

“He’s had a foot issue so we’ve given that time to heal. Mandy’s been thrilled with him and he’s come back well. He’s expected to be the big improver to be honest.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink