Three-year-olds out in force

With star filly Millwood Nike scratched, (Captaintreacherous) the rest of the country’s leading three year old harness racing fillies were left to battle out the seventh heat of the Nevele R “50 years of Success”  series at Ashburton today (Oct. 23).

Aardiebytheseaside (Downbytheseaside) trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer led early from barrier one before taking the trail.

“To her credit she relaxed beautifully, and I was able to clear a bit of traffic at the top of the straight and she did it really nice,” driver Tim Williams told Trackside viewers.

At the end Aardiebytheseaside had a length to spare over a late finishing Treacherous Gall (Captaintreacherous) which was locked away as the field turned in.

It was Aardiebytheseaside’s seventh win.

“She’s super to drive and very versatile. She did a bit early and fell asleep in the middle, so it makes my job easy. She’s a pleasure to sit behind.”

AARDIEBYTHESEASIDE REPLAY

Later in the programme Sooner The Better (Bettor’s Delight) won the Listed Garrard’s Sires’ Stakes Sophomore for three year old colts and geldings.

Handled by Tony Herlihy the three year old gelding sat parked and outmuscled Triple G (Downbytheseaside) to win by half a neck.

“He relaxed out there and it felt like they sprinted really hard from the top of the straight. He’s a bit of a character and does no more than he has to,” Herlihy said.

The race clock was stopped at 2-00.0, a mile rate of 1-53.5 for the 1700 metres. The time was just 0.1 of a second outside Republican Party’s (Bettor’s Delight) 1-59.9 set on this course in 2022.

So often the bridesmaid to the good two and three year olds including his stablemate Merlin, (Art Major) it was reward for the diminutive but game Sooner The Better.

“I’ve driven him a few times and having Tony in the bike is massive and a big thanks to him,” said trainer Scott Phelan who co-trains the gelding in partnership with Barry Purdon.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink