NZ HARNESS NEWS
Comeback trotter Stent is acting ‘’like a two-year-old’’ after coming through his workouts return well for Canterbury co-trainer-driver Colin DeFilippi.
Stent has not raced for 22 months since breaking down with a serious suspensory injury, but returned to the workouts on September 20 for a quiet run at Rangiora.
“He’s working as good as ever and seems to be keen as ever. He’s like a two-year-old when you get out on the track, he’s wanting to go,’’ said DeFilippi.
“I still think he’s up to it. He’s nine but he’s not over-raced (69 starts, 30 wins, $1.1 million).
“We backed off him for a week after the workout and we are looking at Tuesday at Motukarara for another (trial) run. Another couple of trials and we will know exactly what’s happening.’’
DeFilippi and training partner, wife Julie, have gradually nursed Stent back to soundness, but he admits this is the last shot.
“If he doesn’t hold together this time he will be retired. I’m holding my breath and crossing my fingers.
“The leg’s not real pretty but he’s sound and when you fast work him he’s good. ‘’But the next couple of weeks will probably tell the story.’’
The Ashburton Flying Mile (1609m mobile) on October 23 is a tentative target, but he is not nominated for the $300,000 Dominion Handicap on November 17.
Stent may clash with fellow top-liner Monbet in the Ashburton mile, who is on target for the Ashburton workouts on Tuesday after pleasing co-trainer Greg Hope with his work on Woodend Beach the last eight days.
Monbet appears fully recovered from a minor leg problem after not racing since last November, when he won the Dominion brilliantly.
Meanwhile, DeFilippi will line up in-form trotter Izmok (three wins in his last four starts, half-brother to Stent) at Addington on Thursday night.
“I was going to wait but there’s nothing a week later for him and it’s only a small field. His manners put him in the race and he’s doing a good job.’’
He has maiden three-year-old Mach Three pacer Unfinished Business ready to debut at Methven on Sunday after winning his last two trials, rating him a solid top-four chance.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
