By Matt Markham
Expect a much sharper version of Stent to step onto Kaikoura today than that which stepped onto Ashburton last week.
That’s the word from the man behind the champion trotter, Colin DeFilippi after he put his hand up in the air and took a bit of the blame for his shock defeat in last week’s Ashburton Trotters’ Flying Mile.
It was presumed that Stent would make light work of the Group Three event but despite looking the likely winner at the 200 metre mark he appeared to blow out in condition inside the final furlong and was left to settle for second placing behind One Over Da Moon.
“He just got a way on me a wee bit in the week leading up to the race I think,’’ DeFilippi said.
“It told too because he felt like a winner until he blew out.’’
So, based on the theory that he will improve with that run under his belt – today’s Majestic Son Free-For-All should see a return to the winner’s circle for the reigning Trotter of the Year, although arch rival Master Lavros might have something to say about that.
“I’m much happier with him this week,’’ DeFilippi said.
“He’s tightened up in condition and is pretty close to where I want him to be heading into Cup Week.
“This race was never actually the plan for him, but just with the way he went last week we decided we would chuck him in.’’
Not in the initial nominations, DeFilippi nominated once the fields had been left open, a great result for the Kaikoura Club.
His presence along with that of Stent should make for an intriguing battle a week and half out from the Dominion Handicap.
Incidentally both horses have lined up in the race before but neither has been able to win it.
“It’s going to be an interesting race,’’ DeFilippi said.
“Obviously it doesn’t have a great impact on what might happen next week but it would be nice to win it.’’
Mark Jones gave his stable star a good push for the race and is enjoying the prospect of being able to take him to the race without a whole heap of pressure on him like has been the case in previous years.
“12 months ago we were seriously under the pump, but it’s a little less stressful this year,’’ Jones said.
“Everything is good with him, he’s progressing just the way we want him too.
“Obviously it gets a bit tougher when Stent is there so it will be interesting to see how things pan out.
“But my guy is getting close to his peak so they should have another good battle.’’
Outside of the glamour pair, expect a strong showing again from Alley Way as well as the Greg and Nina Hope trained pair of Harrysul and Quite A Moment.
The race lost one of its leading contenders yesterday with the scratching of Habibti.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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