Telegraph calling Lynds-trained Thien Ly
Bigger targets await a couple of winners on Saturday’s undercard at Trentham.
Awapuni trainer Jeff Lynds is considering a Group I Telegraph Handicap start for Thien Ly after the Stravinsky 6-year-old triumphed in the Premier 1200 at the Marton meeting.
‘‘If we get in the field we might have a crack at the Telegraph,’’ Lynds said. ‘‘We’ll just see how we go.’’
In the run to the post Thien Ly ridden by Rosie Myers was too good for favourite Smashing who travelled sweetly in the lead but moved off the rail when placed under pressure.
‘‘The speed was quite strong and it was lucky the leader ran off and gave us a beautiful run up the rails,’’ Myers said.
‘‘He definitely can sprint and if Jeff reckons he can [tackle the Telegraph] I don’t see why not.’’
On the Dead 4 surface Thien Ly broke 1:09 for the trip and in a previous win up the Trentham chute had clocked 1:08.72.
Saturday’s time wasn’t confirmed due to problems with the timing mechanism for the first race.
It was a good gallop in his first race since beating the talented Lewis Carroll at Te Rapa in April.
‘‘He’s had a few problems and injured his hind quarter,’’ Lynds said.
A lack of recent racing didn’t hold Thien Ly back thanks to the most economical of rides by Myers.
‘‘Rosie had ridden him in jump-outs and it’s always nice to have her on,’’ Lynds said.
Lynds made it two for the day with the return to form of Wills Road in the Rating 75 over 1400m with Myers doing the riding.
Wills Road narrowly held out Prosecco trained by Mike Breslin who got a win with Stephenstihls in the Premer 3Yo 14000.
The horse had time off following his maiden success at Riccarton in November and he took up where he left off with a strong performance to down a competitive age group line-up.
‘‘He’s a horse that needs to be asked for his best and the trip south started to make him grow up,’’ Breslin said.
‘‘He still holds a Derby nomination and he might go to Karaka Million night and run in the 3-year-old race for a look around Ellerslie and hope he keeps improving.’’
Stephenstihls settled back in the field and once rider Johnathan Parkes eased him away from the fence across the top the son of Smart Missile moved ominously into contention.
‘‘He’s still got a bit more maturing to do and once he gets over a bit more ground I think he’s going be a pretty good horse.’’
Stephenstihls held off the late challenge of McPhoebe, who charged home from the tail end of the field, by a head with the maiden Bring To The Block an eye-catching third.
Kolonel Kev may have booked a spot in the Group I Thorndon Mile with his win in the Premier 1600.