Double Jeopardy wins Roxburgh Cup

Double Jeopardy, (Captaintreacherous) in the hands of harness racing driver Tim Williams was too good in the $25,000 Peter’s Genetics Roxburgh Cup, today’s feature pace at Roxburgh.

After a solid start Williams got Double Jeopardy into the one one and mastered pacemaker Always Dreaming in the home straight, to win by two and a half lengths with Ultimate Cullect two lengths back in third.

DOUBLE JEOPARDY REPLAY

“The last start at Gore he was a victim of circumstance, having to sit parked and do a little bit of work. He’s best when you don’t do too much with him and save him for one run,” said Amanda Telfer who trains the entire in partnership with her brother Steve.

Today was his first start on the tight Roxburgh circuit but Amanda was confident he’d handle the task.

“He wears a two-arm spreader but he’s pretty well gaited with that spreader on. I didn’t think he’d have an issue getting around it.”

The time for the 2700 metres was 3-20.1, just outside of the 2023 race record of 3-19.5 held by Better’s Tart.

“He’ll keep progressing through the Country Cups and we’ll see how he goes. I think he’s a class below those better open class horses but he’s still a nice horse.”

It was the five year old entire’s seventh win.

“He’s been chasing some good ones like The Lazarus Effect and It’s Tough. Just having him in these stands and learning to get away better is good for him. He sort of half bobbled again today but found his feet pretty quick. It’s just a learning curve for the horses coming out of those lower grades into the Country Cup grade.”

It was Williams’ second win in the Roxburgh Cup, he won with the Des Baynes trained Poacher in 2013.

The win was one of two for the Telfers, with Transonic (Bettor’s Delight) winning Race Nine for junior driver Nikata Burton.

“I said to her that she drove him perfect. She didn’t take any rubbish, got him off the fence early, held her ground and put him into the race at the right time.”

The win was Burton’s twelfth win.

“She’s still got a bit to learn like most juniors, but she is getting there. It’s just a learning curve and the more they get out there, the more they’ll learn and the better they’ll drive.

Today’s drive on Transonic was Burton’s only drive.

“She’ll be back at work tomorrow. She’s doing the hard yards and getting the rewards for it.”

Amanda says Transonic will back up and race at Cromwell on Tuesday.

“After that he’ll have an easy time. He’s always been a really nice horse who’s had a lot of problems. It’s great getting him on the track and doing things right. He’s still got a lot to learn. He’s a big dumb boy.”

While in the south the Telfer horses are looked after by Ryal Bush trainer Brett Gray.

“I’d like to thank B Gray for putting up with these horses while they’re down there. (laughter).”

Other Roxburgh highlights:

Kawhi’s (Andover Hall) time of 3-24.1 for the 2700 metre stand lowered War Machine’s 2018 track time of 3-28.3.

Amber Lethaby doesn’t drive too much these days, but she proved she’s still a dab hand with trotters when she reined home Arden Solitaire (En Solitaire) to win today.

Lethaby’s last winner was Racey Krusa at Methven in November 2024.

Arden Solitaire is out of Sundon mare Surfin Sunsation and was bred by Arden Lodge who have a half-sister by Dancinginthedark M in next month’s NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales in Christchurch.

Havtimewillfly (Art Major) took out her third race in six starts when she easily won at Roxburgh today.

The Art Major filly was taken to the front early from her wide draw by driver Brent Barclay and won by two and a half lengths.

The winning time of 2-39.7 was a new track record. The previous record for the 2200 metres mobile for three year old fillies was 2-40.4 set last year by One For Jay.

Owned by Murray Little of Havtime Breeding Limited and Malcolm and Sarndra Little, Havtimewillfly is out of the Mach Three mare Havtime which won ten races and over $380,000.

Her successes included two Listed features and four wins in Australia where she recorded a best mile time of 1-50.0.

Her second foal, a colt by Bulldog Hanover, is being prepared by Geneieve Crawford for next month’s NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales in Christchurch.

Aspirational Dream’s (Royal Aspiration) win in the main trot of the afternoon was also run in track record time. The five year old mare’s time of 2-49.5 bettered Brianna’s previous record of 2-51.3.

Leithen Louie (Sweet Lou) capped off a good day for Blair Orange who drove three wins on the Roxburgh card. His others were Kawhi for Mark Jones and BB Crunch trained by Ken Barron.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink