Aardiebytheseaside headlines Telfer night

$20,000 Winter Reward races are spread across the harness racing card at Auckland tomorrow night and Steve and Amanda Telfer’s runners are expected to play a hand in the nine race card.

The headline act is Aardiebytheseaside (Downbytheseaside) who resumes in Race Eight. The three year old filly has had three workouts in preparation for her return to racing.

“She’s grown heaps, filled out and is quite a big filly now. She hasn’t raced since the Ace of Diamonds in December and has had two relatively quiet trials to get her ready. She faces a field with hardened and seasoned campaigners, so we’ll be looking for a good trip first up and her hitting the line well,” Steve said.

After tomorrow night’s race the plan is for Aardiebytheseaside to be on a truck heading south, to run in the Nevele R heats in August on a pathway through to the Oaks.

“She’ll definitely make that class.”

Race Five, the $15,000 Graduation Final features two Telfer runners.

Last start winner Cyren Shard (Vincent) draws handy at four and has been back to the workouts after winning on the course in early June.

“She’s a filly heading in the right direction. Last time in she had a long preparation and won first up and raced a little green. She had ten days off after that and has been to two workouts and performed well. She’s forward for tomorrow night and gets a nice draw at four and it puts her right in the frame. I hope she can secure a good trip because she has got a good finish on her.”

Drawn beside her in five, Ideal Delight (Bettor’s Delight) won three starts ago and she has a fitness edge on most of these runners.

“She had her fresh up run last week and got buried away on the fence, got out late and ran home well for fourth. Her fitness will be on the mark. She’s a go forward type of horse so I think she’ll find herself up on the pace. She’s a nice filly that’s heading for a better grade.”

The Telfers have Bo Duke (Bettor’s Delight) in Race Six, the first Winter Rewards race of the night. He draws handy at gate three.

“He’s had a long time away from the races, had ten days off after his last run, a trial at Puke (Pukekohe) and seems sharp in his work. He’d be a good each way chance and our best bet of the night.”

Bruce Stewart for Harnesslink