Sapling Stakes win special for Corps

Allamericanplayer’s (Bettor’s Delight) win in the Rakaia Seed Cleaning New Zealand Sapling Stakes at Ashburton today was a special one for Stewie Corps, one of the colt’s owners.

“Stewie lives in Christchurch. He’s had a tough time and is undergoing a lot of cancer treatment. Every time he came out of chemo he bought another share in a horse. He’s got shares in a lot of horses and it’s great to have him in the ownership. He’s in a few nice ones too. So he’s quite enjoying it at the moment,” said Amanda Telfer who co-trains the colt with her brother Steve.

In today’s Group Two feature Seaside Brucie led early and Allamericanplayer’s driver Tim Williams was able to lob the one one behind favourite Fugitive. When the Fugitive took over Allamericanplayer was left parked. With 200 metres to run Williams drove Allamericanplayer to the top and he went down to the line to win by a length from Fugitive with Seaside Brucie hanging on for third.

The 1700 metres was run in 2-00.0 – a mile rate of 1-53.5 just 0.4 outside Marketplace’s race record of 1-59.6.

“He’s just getting better with racing and is taking it all in his stride. He’s got a lovely nature for a little colt and seems to be handling everything great. Tim’s got a big opinion of him.”

Telfer said Allamericanplayer will now be turned out and head back to Stonewall Stud’s North Island stable.

“Steve will bring back him up again and his races will be down here. He’ll probably miss the Harness Million with racing through the season this late, but he’ll be aimed towards the Sires’ Stakes. Hopefully he’ll get a wee bit better after his spell.”

Corps shares in the ownership of Allamericanplayer with Stonewall Stud and the Forever Optimistic Syndicate.

The two year old is out of Goodlookingbabe and is a half-brother to Allamericanlover which won thirteen races for Stonewall Stud.

The two wins today took the Telfers to 67 for the season and after a hot run of form they’re just two wins away from Trainers Premiership leader Michael House.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink