Allamericanplayer gets Group One revenge

A burgeoning rivalry is forming between exciting juveniles Allamericanplayer (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Fugitive(NZ) (Downbytheseaside), but it was the former who got the bragging rights at Addington Raceway last Friday night after taking out the Group One Welcome Stakes (1980m).

The pair had met on three previous occasions, with Fugitive victorious in each race, including the Group One Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stakes (1700m) at Alexandra Park earlier this month where he got the better of Allamericanplayer by a nose.

Stonewall Stud were keen for revenge on Friday, and driver Tim Williams’ intent was prevalent from the start, launching Allamericanplayer off the mobile arm to maintain their inside advantage and take an early lead.

Williams maintained an honest tempo upfront, while Carter Dalgety sat quietly behind Fugitive in the coveted one-one position before asking his charge to improve three-wide at the 400m. The pair entered the straight on even terms, but it was Allamericanplayer who got the better of his rival in the concluding stages to win by a length.

Williams was rapt to get the victory, signalling the draw was a massive advantage.

“Once we had the draw I was pretty keen to take advantage,” he said. “It wasn’t the deadset plan to lead, but he just felt super and he was really happy, even up the straight he was half cocking his ears.

“He is still learning. He got a lot of confidence out of his last start up at Auckland. Full credit to the horse, he is a wee Bettor’s Delight that keeps on getting better and better with racing. It was a great way to win tonight.”

The Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained colt has had a busy schedule since making his debut in February, winning two and placing in four of his six starts and accruing more than $85,000 prizemoney.

He has put a good dent in the $155,000 Stonewall Stud outlaid for him at Karaka last year, and he will now be put aside for a break in preparation to make further inroads into his purchase price later this year.

“He was in all the races at the start of the season, and we are in the middle of the season now, so he will get a deserved break and there are some nice races in the backend of the season for him,” Williams said.

Bred by Breckon Farms, Allamericanplayer is out of Goodlookingbabe, a half-sister to six-time Group One winner Elle Mac and Group One performer Miss Streisand.

While the daughter of Mach Three only won three races on the track, she has made her mark as a broodmare, with Allamericanplayer becoming her third Group One winner, joining siblings Allamericanlover (NZ) (American Ideal) andIn The Spotlight (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

From NZB Standardbred