Telfer positive about team for Cup Day

Harness racing trainer Amanda Telfer is confident her eight runners will perform well at tomorrow’s Invercargill Cup Day at Ascot Park.

She and her brother Steve have starters spread across the twelve race programme, including the $100,000 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup, the Group One feature.

Sandy Shore (Sunshine Beach) starts in the Diamond Creek Farm/SSBR Robin Dundee Crown. Her recent form has been solid but there have been excuses.

“She suffered from allergies after those first couple of runs. I think we’ve got on top of that a bit and it was a much better run last week. Short distance and drawn one with Tim (Williams) on board, she’ll have every chance,” Amanda said.

Transonic, (Bettor’s Delight) after winning impressively at Ashburton, ran second last at his next start at Addington. He races in the Shaw Building Mobile Pace.

“He didn’t pull up great after that race. He was a bit colicky and stressed afterwards. We were happy to see him back and winning last week. There’s no reason he can’t go on with it. He’s quite a nice horse.”

BD Hall (Andover Hall) fronts up in the McKnight and Brown Handicap Trot. After running a good second in his first start this preparation he uncharacteristically broke at his last start at Geraldine.

“He just got a little bit lost on the grass early on. We’ve added some bell boots to him this week. He used to race in them last time. With the bell boots on his work has been really good. In those early races he won at Invercargill he was able to begin quickly. If he can get that back he’ll put himself in a handy enough spot.”

Always B Magic (Always B Miki) races in the Canada Stakes for three year old fillies.

“It’s going to be a nice little race. She’s quite a tough mare and I don’t think she has to be driven for a sit and sprint. She’s quite forward and her work’s been great. It just depends on what run she gets.”

Alta Meteor (Art Major) is the stable representative in the $100,000 Group One Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup. The five year old gelding gets a 10 metre head start over favourite Republican Party and Amanda thinks that’ll make a difference.

“I think he’ll go well. He’s normally a quick and safe beginner. Hopefully he can get a nice run through them and be up handy early. Then Tim will have options if Republican Party does make a move.”

Sonofamistery (Sweet Lou) was back in winning form at his last start and he draws the outside of the front row in the Sheet Metalcraft Limited Mobile Pace.

“It’s a nice field. We’re very happy with the way he’s trained on after his last couple of runs. He seems to be hitting top form now so I expect him to go pretty well.”

JT Boe (Always B Miki) and Seaside Rose (Downbytheseaside) round out the Telfers day in the McEwan Bloodstock Wayne (Ox) McEwan Memorial.

JT Boe comes up with an outside front row draw and will be handled by Williams.

“He hasn’t got great gait speed. I’d say he’ll find a position early and be put into it later. He’s got quite a big motor and Tim is getting to know him a lot better now. His work has been great and we’re happy with him.”

Seaside Rose impressed at her last start winning at Winton last Sunday.

“Tim stayed down there (at Ryal Bush with Brett Gray) and he says she’s jumping out of her skin. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her run a really good race.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink