Always B Miki filly all class in Oaks win

Aardie’s Express who’s trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer was all class today, winning the Nevele R/Macca Lodge Southern Oaks at Ascot Park.

Setting off, harness racing driver Tim Williams decided to stay out of the early rush despite drawing well at barrier two. With 1600 metres to run Williams elected to move and Aardie’s Express rolled round the field to take the lead, with Williams pushing the turbo button after the Always B Miki filly straightened for the run home. Aardie’s Express won easily by two lengths from Monaco Grace.

Aardie’s Express warming up for Tim Williams

“I didn’t know what to expect when she first arrived at my place because there were a few mixed reports about her. After a couple of weeks she settled into out training programme well. She’s always been strong. We pretty much earmarked this race as soon as she hit the track,” Steve Telfer said after the win.

Aardie’s Express been told to keep her mind on the job with a lap to run

At the finish

Back to the birdcage

Presentation

In some of her early races Aardie’s Express tended to over race but Telfer said her manners have improved.

“Tim And Mandy have done a great job. She used to race round to the front, and they’ve got her to settle down, but she’s still got a lot of improvement in her. I think she’s untapped. She’s got a big motor.”

Telfer said Aardie’s Express will now be spelled for six weeks.

“That should be the making of her. Hopefully she’ll strengthen up and get a bit wiser and hopefully at the end of the season in November and December take on the good fillies.”

He says the extended season will definitely suit Aardie’s Express.

“She can have a break and doesn’t have to keep going. Then she can target some good races later in the season. Split season is great for the two years olds, so I haven’t found too many negatives.”

The filly is owned by Canadian Michael Tanev.

“He bought Ivana Flybye off me about eighteen months ago and she did a great job up there. He rings me four or five times a week. He’s very passionate about racing. He’s got two boys that play professional hockey for the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins. He’s been great to train for.”

Telfer has been in Southland for the last week supervising his team while they were based at Clark Barron’s.

“Jill and I have really enjoyed it. I generally just come down here for the tours (SBSR Yearling Tour). We’ve caught up with a lot of people. Clark and Ellie have looked after the horses, so it’s been terrific.”

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by Bruce Stewart