Three good chances for Stonewall at Ascot Park today

Molly Belwin’s (Art Major) last start third at Ascot Park has only kept looking better ahead of her return to the harness racing track on Thursday.

The four-year-old is among a three-pronged attack Stonewall Stud are sending south for Invercargill’s twilight meeting.

Molly Belwin worked hard in the last lap of her last run in the south before fighting on gamely for third behind Tabasco.

Tabasco went up in grade to run a big second in the Riverton Cup on Sunday, while Molly Belwin has the luxury of stepping back in company on Thursday.

While the mare looks a huge winning threat, trainer Amanda Telfer knows she will need a touch of luck on her side.

“She is pretty quick and she is one of those ones that has to be driven for one run at them.”

“She will have no option but to slot in somewhere from the draw, then we will have to see how the race pans out from there.”

“I was really happy with her last run, she got pushed out down the back straight which is really not her go but she stuck on well for third.”

“Her work has been good since then and I have been quite happy with her.”

Ellie Barron will link up with Molly Belwin in Race 9, the Ihire Mobile Pace (7.31pm), as the mare searches for a penalty-free junior driver’s victory.

Mythical also starts at Invercargill in Race 6, the Monica Toretto Photography Mobile Pace (6.13pm), to kick off her three-year-old campaign for driver Tim Williams.

The filly won her latest trial in Canterbury and appears to be heading south on an upward trajectory.

“Tim was really happy with her trial,” Telfer said.

“She has only had the one trial but she is pretty fit and it seems like a good option to head down south with her.”

“If she comes through this race well there is another race for her down there last week.”

The Stonewall Stud team also start B D Hall in Race 2, the Regent Car Court Trot (4.23pm), following his strong debut second at Oamaru recently.

The trotter showed excellent manners first up and it is hoped he can do so again.

“He is a big horse and you wouldn’t think he would be one that would be running early,” Telfer said.

“He’s had five trials, he had three as a two-year-old and another couple this time in.”

“He just wants to trot, he can make a mistake, but he really wants to do it.”

“Fingers crossed he can do everything right again and go another nice race.”

Tim Williams also links up with B D Hall.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand