By Duane Ranger
The strong Auckland-based Steve Telfer and Chris Garlick stable opted for easier pickings at Manawatu Raceway yesterday and then duly won three of the seven races on offer.
They had four pacers nominated for the first day’s meeting yesterday on Tuesday and won with Brookes Rose (race 2), Flying Arizona (race 3), and Our Wicklow (race 5). Scott Phelan drove all three.
Garlick said their fourth runner, Olivia’s Rose, didn’t get much luck in the running and finished sixth behind Brookes Rose.
“Brookes Rose was probably out most impressive winner but I wouldn’t write Olivia’s Secret off on the second day (Thursday evening).
“She was second favourite behind Brookes Rose on Tuesday and never really got a go at them. Even though she’s drawn badly (10) in the first tomorrow, I think she is one for value and if things go her way she can win,” Garlick said.
Following the first day of the season at the Palmerston North track, the Telfer and Garlick team have now won four races this season and believe they can add to that tally tomorrow night.
“They are all racing easier opposition to what they have met up here and at Cambridge. Brookes Rose led from the start and won well. That was pleasing because she had been a bit disappointing early on.
“It was good for her to get that first win out of the way. I think she can win a C1 race all right but it might be a wee bit tougher from six tomorrow after drawing two on the first day,” Garlick said.
“She does have gate speed so it will be up to Scotty at the start to see if she can get across them,” he added.
Garlick was also impressed with Flying Arizona who won from barrier five when a $3 second favourite.
“We’ve only had him for about six weeks. He came from up from Ashburton after he had one start there, and now he’s won second-up for us after finishing a disappointing seventh at Cambridge last month.
“That was a nice drive by Scott. He got all the gaps at the right time and then won well by a neck. he’s drawn eight compared to five yesterday. He has gate speed as well but I think Scott will drive him for luck this time. He can back up,” Garlick said.
Our Wicklow, who won from gate seven, has drawn the widest front row nine draw in the fourth event on Thursday.
“He went okay in his first two runs at Cambridge. He has got some speed and show that on the first day. It’s going to be tough to win from out there and it will be interesting to see who he follows out, but he can repeat,” Garlick said.
He said Brookes Rose was probably the pick of their quartet tomorrow but said with the trip anyone of the four could win.
“The 3-year-old filly is the only one of ours to cop a front row draw so the others are going to have to rely on a bit of luck, but they can all go close.
“That’s why we brought them down here for the easier pickings,” said Garlick.
Phelan was the most impressive driver on day one with three wins followed by Andre Poutama who won the last two races on his former home-track behind the Ray Green trained Lincoln’s Keepsake in race six and the Craig Sharpe trained Rarangi Jewel in the last event.
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