Secret Delight heads to Ashburton after Addington dramas

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

After last racing in an eventful $100,000 Group 1 at Addington, Secret Delight will line up at Ashburton today, rating an each way chance in Race 7, the McIntosh Catering Pace (4.15pm).

Trained by Telfer/Cullen, the smart three-year-old filly warmed up for her race day return by winning a trial at Rangiora nearly a fortnight ago and is currently the second favourite  ($6)  behind the red hot All Stars runner Vinke B ($1.60).

It's her first race since Grand Prix day at Addington in December when she took on the unbeaten Millwood Nike, Aardiebytheseaside, Kahlua Flybye and co in the Avon City Ford Ace of Diamonds (2YO Fillies) Mobile Pace.

She finished last that day, but only after suffering heart problems (atrial fibrillation).

"She's well over her issues," says driver Tim Williams, "and that latest trial was her first from a stand too and with the race on Monday also being a stand hopefully she steps ok."

"If she steps and is in the front half of the field she will get her chance."

Secret Delight has won once in 13 starts and that was at Kaikoura last year and while Vinke B has a similar strike-rate he does go into today's assignment after taking on very impressive three-year-olds, Don't Stop Dreaming, Triple G and Sinbad.

Williams also knows a thing or two about race rival Shepherds Delight. He drove the Ivan Court trained three-year-old to win on debut at Timaru earlier this month. He's currently at $7, with Borrisokane at $9.

Win or lose, Williams is certain about one thing with his filly - "she's a real trier and has a great attitude".

Williams also drives Forgiveness (Race 1), Precious Belle (Race 2), Millwood Melody (Race 4), Unico Vacanza (Race 8), and Jubilee Rock (Race 9), a day after guiding the unbeaten Ohoka Connor to his sixth straight win on Diamonds Day at Invercargill. 

Racing starts at 12.58pm.