Telfer/Cullen firepower for Auckland

Stonewall Stud takes some new faces plus some established firepower to Alexandra Park tonight for harness racing action.

Three year old filly Cyren Shard (Vincent) begins the Telfer/Cullen night in Race Four. She’s a half-sister to Himself (Sportswriter) whose twelve wins include the Group One Golden Nugget at Gloucester Park. She’s been to three trials in preparation for her debut, impressively winning her last one at Cambridge a week ago.

“We’re really pleased with her. She was a gross doing filly, but she’s slowly trimmed up and got better with each trial. She wouldn’t have to go a lot better than she did at the trials at Cambridge to be pretty competitive in this race. The wide draw is a little bit of a setback. She’s got good manners and is a pretty honest filly and I think she’ll go well,” co trainer Steve Telfer said.

In Race Five Bo Duke (Bettor’s Delight) represents the stable. His last start was at Methven in October when he ran eighth. He’s had one workout in preparation for his resumption, running a close third. He draws handy (1) and will be handled by Alicia Harrison.

“He’s been a slow maturing horse. After Methven he had a good spell, came back up to Auckland and has been training really strongly. The one barrier draw will really help him and he’s going to get into a forward pozy. Although he’ll improve with the run, the way he’s been training I don’t think he’ll be too far away.”

Quality pacer Fernleigh Cash (Bettor’s Delight) faces a tidy field in Race Eight. He’s won six of his fourteen starts and will run out of gate five.

“It’s a stronger field this week. Prior to last week he’d only had the one trial and I think he’s definitely improved from his first up run. He’s a very adaptable horse and it’s a small field so it won’t put any pressure on him. I think he’s up to them and with a good trip I’m sure he’ll be there at the finish. Of the older horses he’s my best bet.”

The NZB Standardbred Two Year Old Pace is dominated with Telfer/Cullen runners. They have five of the seven starters, and all are having their first start.

Kada (Bettor’s Delight) gets the pick of the draws (1). Her pedigree includes Tempest Tiger (Tiger Wave) which won seven of it’s twelve starts including the 1979 New Zealand Messenger.

“She’s just got better at each trial. She wasn’t far away at her last trial at Auckland a couple of weeks ago and she has got gate speed which will either see her in front or in a good position. She appears to have trained on and she’s definitely an each way chance.”

Molly Belwin (Art Major)draws gate two. Her second dam Molly Darling (Christian Cullen) twenty four wins included the Nevele R Fillies Final. Prior to tonight’s debut she’s run in one workout (2nd) and two trials (3rd and 3rd).

“At her last trial she ran her last half better than 57. She’s got a handy draw, so she’ll get a trip pretty close to the pace.”

Rock Band (Art Major) qualified at Alexandra Park on 26th of May beating four of his race rivals. His second dam Cruzee Lass (Christian Cullen) won nine races and ran second in the Great Northern Oaks.

“He’s been a nice surprise packet who has got better with each trial. At his last trial he came out at the 800, sat parked and still hit the line really strongly. With the barrier draw of three he’s definitely a good chance.”

Another Telfer/Cullen runner is Carbon (Bettor’s Delight) who will be driven by Zachery Butcher. He runs from barrier four.

“He’s quite lazy at home but at his last trial he picked the bit up and travelled a lot better. I think he’ll get better with time, and he’ll fill out into a nice horse. I think what he does tonight he’ll improve on. Three months down the track he’s got the makings of not a bad horse.”

Precious Bet (Bettor’s Delight) rounds out the stable runners. He’ll be handled by Andre Poutama from gate seven.

“He went to the same trial as Cyren Shard at Cambridge. They went a great time of 2-44 for the 2200 and he was right there at the finish which was great for a wee two year old. He got home in good sectionals as well. He’s drawn out at seven so he’s going to give most of them a start. He’s definitely improved over the last two or three weeks and is heading in the right direction. Although he might find it hard from the barrier, he’s one to keep an eye on in the next few weeks.”

Steve labelled Rock Band as the pick of his runners in the two year old feature.

“He seems to have the manners and a bit of strength about him. He’s probably the most forward out of our two year olds and the one to beat.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink