B D Joe dominates Ashburton Flying Stakes

In a key lead-up race to the New Zealand Cup, B D Joe has led all the way to win the NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes this afternoon.

The Team Telfer-trained star started safely for Benjamin Butcher, controlled the tempo out front and then outlasted a fast finishing Old Town Road and Spankem who ran on well to finish third.

Much interest pre-race was on the New Zealand debut of Australian visitor Rock N Roll Doo but he bobbled at the start, came around and sat parked and then faded, while fellow joint Cup favourite Self Assured was in the one-one but couldn't make an impression over the final stages.

Old Town Road's big finish for Zachary Butcher furthered his claims for a start in the country's biggest race on Tuesday, Addington November 8 and the failures of Self Assured and Rock N Roll Doo will be big talking points.

Both have drifted in the TAB Market for the Cup, with Old Town Road now into $7.50, and B D Joe at $7.

More to come.