Telfers look to extend Speed Series record

Bruce Stewart Journalist

Steve and Amanda Telfer will be hoping to retain their good record in the Southern Belle Speed Series when the line up two runners in Sunday’s $40,000 final at Winton.

The stable has won the mares’ feature three times - Darling Me in 2022, Sweet Diamond 2024 and Seaside Rose last year.

This year they’ll undertake a two-pronged attack with Elektra King (Captaintreacherous) and Ebony Arden (Bettor’s Delight).

Elektra King was a handy third in a quick time at her last start in Invercargill. She starts from barrier one.

“The draw is perfect for her. She’s got Blair Orange on board and that can’t do her chances any harm. She’s been down in Southland for the last couple of weeks with Brett Gray and he tells me she’s ticking along nicely,” Amanda said.

Ebony Arden has drawn alongside her stable mate. She was a very good fourth in good company at her last start, just a half a length from the winner.

“She’s a mare that’s better off rolling. In her last couple of starts she hasn’t been able to get up handy. If she can stay handy early, I think she can run a good race.”

Outside the Speed Series Final the stable has six other runners across the eleven race card.

Patriot (Captaintreacherous) lines up in the Murray Gray Memorial. He was third on debut at Addington behind the smart Tour Party.

“He’s a lovely colt who’s going to be quite nice with a bit of experience. He gives you a really nice feel.”

Princess Lisa (American Ideal) will start in Race Two. She sat parked at her last start to Rangiora.

“Parked isn’t her go. So once she was parked I knew we were in a world of pain. She’s got a nice draw (inside of the second row). I don’t know much about the horse she’s following out, but she’s back in a grade she’s quite competitive in.”

Larissa Lily (Lather Up) last started in group company in Auckland. She returns south for a heat of the Southern Oaks series.

“She’s quite a nice filly and the draw (One) is an advantage. If she can hand up to the right one and be close and handy, she should be thereabouts at the finish.”

Unbeaten three year old gelding Spicey Lou (Sweet Lou) gets his chance to qualify for the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stake Final on Diamonds Day when he runs in the fourth heat of the series.

“He’s been very progressive. He hasn’t done anything wrong in his two starts to date and he’s done it pretty comfortably. So he deserves a shot in this grade. He’s got a nice draw and he’ll be in the running line. I think Tim’s (driver Tim Williams) got options and we’ll just see how he measures up against these ones.”

In Race Nine Tact Teva (Lather Up) returns to racing after a break away.

“He’s quite a nice horse who’s had quite a lot of problems. He’s got a lot of ability. I don’t think the draw will worry him. He’s our best bet.”

Steve And Amanda have Ohoka Connor (Sunshine Beach) in the All-Lay Carpets and Drapes Winton Cup.

He’s had two starts after a lengthy break. In the past he’s been a bit suspect from the standing start.

“We took him to Rangiora last week and he began like a bullet, the best he’s ever begun in his career. I’ve put him on the unruly on purpose. I think the unruly is going to help him negate the stands. He’s slowly getting better fitness wise. We’re super happy with him and just to see him improve again will be great.”