Big night out for Stonewall Stud

Trying to be a little too wise wasn’t enough to stop Alta Wiseguy (Mach Three) from booking his ticket into the New Zealand Cup on an incredible night out at Addington for Stonewall Stud. Alta Wiseguy led home his stablemate B D Joe in the New Brighton Cup with both horses producing most outstanding lead-up efforts in the countdown to the country’s greatest harness racing race.

The quinella was just one part of a brilliant night out for the Steve and Amanda Telfer stable with Aardie’s Express (Always B Miki) just as brilliant in her Nevele R Fillies heat win and Alta Meteor (Art Major) crushing from the death seat in his two-year-old assignment.

Show Me Heaven (Somebeachsomewhere) then made a huge night even bigger with her late closing win in race 10.

The only concern for Alta Wiseguy fans came immediately after the start of the New Brighton Cup, with the four-year-old galloping away.

But in a matter of seconds, the pacer was back in his gear and making the kind of brilliant beginning he is known for.

Steve Telfer thought it might be a case of Alta Wiseguy being a little too clever for his own good.

“He looked like almost anticipated the start and got himself into a bit of a bad spot, but he regained himself quickly which was good.”

Alta Wiseguy’s speed has never been questioned and it was on full display during his wonderful spring and summer campaign last year.

But in his returning win on Friday night, it was the horse’s strength that shone through.

Alta Wiseguy was pressured before the bell by Laver, but kicking up to hold the lead didn’t take a toll on the horse as he powered to victory.

“The thing we pride him on is his manners, he can step and take a trail,” Telfer said.

“I think it is a progression that he has got stronger and is now able to do what he did tonight.”

“He did lead and win the sales race at Kaikoura last year, but that wasn’t in this class.”

“Most times he uses his manners and speed to win, but it is definitely good to see him strengthen up a bit.”

B D Joe was outstanding in second behind his stablemate.

The four-year-old was last at the 400m but charged down the outer, passing all but one of his rivals in the home straight.

ALTA WISEGUY REPLAY

B D Joe ran his last mile in 1.54.55, almost a full second faster than any other horse in the New Brighton Cup.

“We were rapt with him.”

“The only thing we have got to work on with him is the start.”

“He is safe away but not fast, hopefully over the next six weeks we can get back in the draw and get him a little bit quicker away so he doesn’t have to work quite so hard when he is racing the absolute best ones.”

Smiffy’s Terror ran on strongly to take third behind the Stonewall pair.

There were several head-scratching efforts in the New Brighton Cup mainly from the horses that filled the placings in the Maurice Holmes Vase.

Heza Sport, Laver and The Falcon were all great first up but didn’t run on as well as expected on Friday night.

For full race results, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand