Tailor made for me

Riversdale harness racing mare Tayla Me (American Ideal) showed she won’t be out of place in some of the better mares races. Today (Mar. 18) at the Wyndham meeting she beat a small field which included Folklore (Sportswriter) who’s had four wins and Play Philly (Art Major) who’s won five.

In heat six of the $15,000 SSBA/Vet South Equine Southern Belle series driver Craig Ferguson was determined to get to the top, and after a short battle with Play Philly he got there.

From then on Ferguson dictated the speed and Tayla Me ran to the line two lengths clear of Play Philly with Folklore a length and three quarters back in third.

The winning time was 1-54.8 with the last 800 peeled off in 58.1.

“We were worried about Jonny’s (Cox) horse Folklore, but my mare was on song today which was good,” trainer Brent McIntyre said.

TAYLA ME REPLAY

Tayla Me commenced her career with Cran and Chrissie Dalgety, winning once from five starts before she was sent south to McIntyre at Macca Lodge with the aim of getting her in foal.

When that didn’t happen she was put back into work and the team at Macca Lodge soon recognised her racing potential. Today was her third win for McIntyre.

He said the stable have finally got on top of her feet problems.

“It’s great we’re on top of that now and letting her reach her full potential.”

The richly bred mare was spotted by Bloodstock Agent Peter Lagan and he recommended that “Spud” Crosse buy the four year old.

“He’s a good man Spud. He’ll be watching on TV. He couldn’t get down today because he’s flat stick cooking and looking after his lodge in the Marlborough Sounds.”

This was the last heat of the Southern Belle Series with the $30,000 final set for the Central Southland Raceway on Thursday 13th April.

“We’ll go to the final and get that out of the way then look at the Uncut Gems in May.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink