Southern involvement in one of the country’s premier sprints looks assured following Miss Seton Sands’ performance at Wingatui.
The consistent speedster proved too good in the Listed BP2Go Alco Mosgiel Stakes, a race she had to run well in to clinch a trip to Trentham for the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph on January 16.
“As long as we’re happy with her she will go on to the Telegraph,” Rangiora trainer Steven Woodsford said.Miss Seton Sands had finished third in both the Gr.3 Stewards’ Stakes and the Listed Pegasus Stakes at Riccarton during the New Zealand Cup carnival and she topped off her preparation for Wingatui with a 900 metre trial win at Motukarara.
“She is the sort of horse that needs a bit of galloping,” Woodsford said.Miss Seton Sands has now won half of her 12 starts and last season she opened her black type account when successful in the Listed NZ Bloodstock Insurance Stakes.
“She’s been pretty solid all the way through in good company,” Woodsford said. “I think she’s got a big future.”Miss Seton Sands sat in behind the pace and dashed home under apprentice rider Racha Cuneen to beat Querer, whose original jockey Courtney Barnes had to be replaced after she was kicked behind the barrier by Sucre. Kevin Kalychurun received the late call up.
Eva Keeneva also did her chances of an appearance at Trentham next month no harm when she won the Allied Security Otago Cup.The Terrill Charles and Peter Corbett-trained stayer has a nomination for the Gr.2 Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup.
