NZ HARNESS NEWS
A decision on whether 2015 NZ and Australian Trotter of the Year Stent returns to racing in the Group Three Ashburton Trotters Flying Mile at Ashburton on Monday, won’t be made until Friday.
Broadfield co-trainer Colin DeFilippi was pleased with the way Stent trialed against the pacers at Motukarara on Tuesday, but had concerns about the nine-year-old’s troubled near front leg after pulling up.
“I ran cold water over his leg three times in the wash as we had to wait for Loren Lester (stable junior driver) to finish her drives for the day.
“When we got home I thought it might be worse but it was twice as good,” DeFilippi said.
He had a racing club veterinarian inspect Stent yesterday.
“I told the vet but after she looked at him, she wasn’t too worried,” he said.
It’s a tricky situation for DeFilippi, and his training partner wife, Julie, who don’t want to break him down.
DeFilippi said the gelding’s apparent post-trial lameness could be attributed to him being “very sensitive” and he could have over-reacted.
“He is very sensitive compared to a lot of horses.”
DeFilippi had to give Stent a strong hit-out on Tuesday to get him match-fit for the Ashburton Mile, a race he won three years ago.
They eased back to fifth of the six starters, moved up parked over the final 600m and fought solidly without being asked for a serious effort, finishing third to front-running heat winner Freedom Fighter, who paced the mobile 2200m in 2:48.5.
The winner, who ran clear by five lengths, paced his last 800m in 56.9s and his final 400m in 27.3s.
“He (Stent) probably went about as good as the winner for his last 800m,” DeFilippi said.
Stent has drawn the ace for his comeback race, an ideal draw for him over the flying mile, if he starts.
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