Stars Set for Epic NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes
21 October 2022
NZB Standardbred graduates are among the biggest names set for an epic clash of the stars in the $50,000 Group Two NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes (2400m) on Monday 24 October.
National Standardbred Yearling Sale purchases Alta Wiseguy (NZ) (Mach Three), B D Joe (NZ) (Roll With Joe), Rock N Roll Doo (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven) and Got You Covered (NZ) (Art Major) will attempt to boost their New Zealand Cup hopes in what is undoubtedly the most talent-packed Open Class race of the Spring.
B D Joe and Alta Wiseguy will be out to continue their outstanding New Zealand Cup preparations with strong performances in the Ashburton feature.
Trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer plan to use the Group Two event as the final public stop-off on their road towards next month’s Group One New Zealand Cup.
Steve Telfer reported that B D Joe has thrived with his excellent last-start win at Addington and is ready to contest another big race.
“After each run, he has felt a little bit better and a little bit sharper and a little bit more in tune.”
“We couldn’t be happier with where he is at, at the moment. He is very adaptable, has a bit of speed, and can do the work.
“Of course, he can lead them up too. Hopefully, with a good getaway he can be right amongst it,” he said.
B D Joe was a $65,000 purchase by Stonewall Stud from breeder-vendor Brent Smith at the 2020 Christchurch National Yearling Sale.
Alta Wiseguy has been in the top two home in each of his Spring runs and he comes into the NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes following a stellar second in the Group Three Methven Cup.
Telfer described the four-year-old as the ultimate professional.
“He is just an absolute professional, he will step away quickly and put himself in the first couple.”
“With his manners and his speed he is always going to be a chance.
“He seems to be thriving on the racing and his work and he is only getting better at this stage.”
Alta Wiseguy was purchased for $30,000 by Stonewall Stud when he was offered by Alta Dream Lodge at the 2019 Auckland National Yearling Sale.
Rock N Roll Doo has arrived safely in New Zealand and will have his first start on this side of the Tasman for trainer-driver Michael Stanley in the Group Two NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes.
Stanley has reported that the brilliant winner of this month’s Group One Victoria Cup has settled into Canterbury well.
Rock N Roll Doo was purchased for the bargain price of $14,000 at the 2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale by Brendan and Anne James of BFJ Bloodstock. He was offered by breeder-vendor John McKenzie of Kelvin Home Holdings.
New Zealand’s Open Class stars are set to go head to head in the $50,000 Group Two NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes at 4.55pm on Monday 24 October.
| HORSE | Breeding | DRAW | SALE | PURCHASER | TRAINER | DRIVER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B D Joe (NZ) | Roll With Joe x Tact Aunty | 1 | 2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale, $65,000 | Stonewall Stud | Steve & Amanda Telfer | Benjamin Butcher |
| Pembrook Playboy (NZ) | Bettor's Delight x Dudinka's Star | 2 | Nathan Williamson | Nathan Williamson | ||
| Self Assured (NZ) | Bettor's Delight x Star Of Venus | 3 | Mark Purdon & Hayden Cullen | Mark Purdon | ||
| Spankem (NZ) | Bettor's Delight x Crushem | 4 | Mark Purdon & Hayden Cullen | Natalie Rasmussen | ||
| Got You Covered (NZ) | Art Major x Cartier | 5 | 2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale, $21,000 | Mrs W Nordqvist | Brent & Tim White | Kimberly Butt |
| South Coast Arden (NZ) | Somebeachsomewhere x Southwind Arden | 6 | Brent Mangos | Brent Mangos | ||
| Alta Wiseguy (NZ) | Mach Three x Princess Arts | 7 | 2019 Auckland Yearling Sale, $30,000 | Stonewall Stud | Steve & Amanda Telfer | Tim Williams |
| Rock N Roll Doo (NZ) | Rock N Roll Heaven x Long Live Lana | 8 | 2019 Christchurch Yearling Sale, $14,000 | BFJ Bloodstock | Michael Stanley | Michael Stanley |
| Old Town Road (NZ) | Bettor's Delight x Lucy's Way | 9 | John Dickie | Zachary Butcher | ||
| Macandrew Aviator (NZ) | Panspacificflight x Arts Mistress | 10 | Kirstin Green | Craig Ferguson | ||
| Heza Sport (NZ) | Sportswriter x Just Rose | 11 | Colin & Julie DeFilippi | Colin DeFilippi | ||
| Cranbourne (NZ) | Sir Lincoln x Classiealba | U1 | Brent & Tim White | Matthew Williamson |