Iron Brigade grows another leg in the south

The Steve and Amanda Telfer trained Iron Brigade (Art Major) has done most of his racing from the Stonewall Stud northern barn in Auckland but since he’s been based at their Canterbury harness racing stable he’s gone to another level.

The five year old came south in March and since then he’s won three races and finished second, third and fourth in his six starts.

“Since he’s come he’s thrived and is really enjoying the racing. He’s a happy horse,” said driver Tim Williams.

Last night’s win in the Betavet ‘Uncut Gems’ Gelding and Entires Classic stamped him as a genuine mid to upper ratings horse.

The favourite Sideshow Bruce set a hot tempo with Williams slotting Iron Brigade into the one one behind his younger brother Bruntwood Brigade.

“It’s been a while since this fella has seen the gate and that was probably the only question mark. He relaxed and didn’t have to do too much early and lobbed a nice spot. It worked out really good.”

Turning in, Sideshow Bruce had a three length buffer on the chasing bunch but Iron Brigade came into the finish with fresh legs and he wore down Sideshow Bruce to win by a length with Harrison John a neck back in third.

IRON BRIGADE REPLAY

“Once he hit the 1000 he picked up the bridle.”

Iron Brigade raced by Stonewall Stud and the Iron Brigade Syndicate will now head to the $100,000 Hydroflow Country Cups Championship this Friday at Addington.

“That’s his last target. It’s a great stake and it’ll be a great field but with the form he’s in he deserves a spot.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink