Telfer pair ready for Methven Cup

By Mike Love 

Stonewall Stud have two good chances in Sunday's Group 3 Alabar Methven Cup over 3000m for $40,000 as the road to the Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup continues. 

While Bar Louie and J T Boe each hold a nomination for the New Zealand Cup, they are ranked 24th and 26th respectively, and will be looking to improve their rankings with big runs in Methven’s feature. 

And that is exactly what co-trainer Amanda Telfer is expecting from the pair. 

“I’m really happy with both of them,” commented Telfer.

Bar Louie, who will be driven by Anthony Butt, was an eye-catching third when fresh-up at Addington on September 18. While it is the four-year-old Sweet Lou gelding’s first look on the grass, Telfer is confident Bar Louie will handle it. 

“He hit the line nicely, which he hadn’t really done for a long time,” says Telfer.

“I think he’ll handle the grass alright, and he should run a really good race.” 

J T Boe was an emphatic winner in his only look on the grass when winning at Methven earlier this year over 3000m. He has returned bigger and stronger this time in, winning two of four this campaign. Telfer suggests his chances lie with making a clean getaway and taking advantage of the 15 metre head-start on the favoured runners. 

“The grass won’t worry him. He was pretty tough when he won at Methven back in February. I think the 3000m will be right up his alley. With a safe beginning and a nice position in running they’re going to know he’s there.” 

Tim Williams will drive. 

The 15 metre back-markers will be hard to beat, namely Hannon Memorial winner, Franco Sinatra, Mo’unga, and northern visitor Rubira. While off the front, in addition to the Telfer runners, southerner Hayley Jaccka has winning form, Renegade finished just five-lengths off Marketplace last time, and Wag Star from barrier one is long overdue to do something. 

The Telfers will line up four other runners throughout the day, all to be driven by Tim Williams. 

In Race 2, the Rakaia Seed Cleaning Mobile Pace (12.20pm), over 2300m, Premier Arden lines up after a disappointing fresh-up effort at Orari.  

“She trained on okay, and has a good trailing draw. She was disappointing at Orari, so we’re hoping for better. She likes the grass.” 

Atomic lines up in Race 3, the Staples & Kidd LTD Pace (12.45pm) over 2400m. 

“Her trials have been great from a stand. She lacks a bit of high speed, so with a good beginning and can dictate her own race, she’ll go close.”  

Telfer is expecting another honest day at the office from Semba in Race 7, the Nufarm Handicap Pace (2.50pm), over 2400m. Despite needing to come from a 10 metre impost, Telfer believes his good manners will negate that. 

“I was really happy with his run at Timaru. He should get handy, he’s honest, and he should be thereabouts.” 

Stumpy Blackler rounds out the Telfer runners in the final on the card, Race 12, the Strappers Syndicate Mobile Pace (5.24pm) over 2400m. Having had two runs back this campaign for two eighths, a little luck will go a long way for the three-year-old Bettors Delight gelding. 

“He’s trained on nicely. He’s a neat horse. I expect him to run well, and he has won on the grass before.” 

The meeting also features the $25,000 Yabby Dam Farms Fillies And Mares Handicap Trot (4.53pm) over 2400m, with a full field of 17 taking part, while the Canterbury Plains Spring series has its second heat at 3.51pm.