Bits and Bridles (new)

Giant ten win trotter Andy Hall (Andover Hall) is back in the south under the care of Mataura harness racing trainer Lyndon Bond.

Owned by his breeder Ian Hunter, the eight year old up until recently had been trained by Robert and Jenna Dunn and they won two races with him. His previous eight wins were for Nathan Williamson.

Bond has struck up a good association with Andy Hall’s half-sister Del’s Creation (Creatine) winning five races with her since April.

He’s talking about racing Andy Hall in the November Dominion Handicap. When finishing seventh in the 2021 Dominion won by Sundees Son, Andy Hall trotted the 3200 metres in 4-00.2.

The great race isn’t new for Bond. He’s lined up Tweedledee twice in the G1 trot.

Yesterday’s impressive debut win at Rangiora by Rakero Ice (Sweet Lou) was Tom Bamford’s twentieth as a trainer and all his winners have been owned by Ronnie Dawe.

Rakero Ice which is out of an unraced full-sister to Spankem, led all the way for Gavin Smith winning the 2000 metre by eight lengths in a time of 2-30.6 with the last 800 run in 56.1.

Although he only beat two rivals Saucy Delight (Bettor’s Delight) looks to be a maiden with potential.

The three years old gelding bred by Woodlands Stud won his 2400 metre mobile heat by three lengths in the hands of trainer Craig Ferguson.

Saucy Delight is a full brother to Chimichurri (9 wins) and Tabasco (2 wins) and if he starts at Winton on Thursday he should be a good winning prospect.

Steve and Amanda Telfer taking away five wins at Alexandra Park on Friday was a stable first.

Their previous best of four was at the Winton meeting at Central Southland Raceway in April 2024 when Amanda brought Sweet Diamond, Beach Flybye, Bettors Anvil and Built For Glory south and they all won.

Special Effects (Father Patrick) win for Korbyn Newman at Rangiora was the gelding’s fourth in eighteen starts for Korbyn.

Since the five year old joined the stable (previously racing for James Stormont) he’s recorded four wins and three minor placings.

Newman works for leading trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn and runs their Belmont Lodge stable.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink