Young Winton trainer heads north for Group One

On Friday night, Winton harness racing trainer Chelsea Faithful will gear up Ideal Crown, (American Ideal) her first horse to race in Auckland.

“I’m excited but nervous. I think a lot more excitement will come on Friday,” she said.

It’s not the first time Faithful has had a runner in a Group One feature. Ideal Crown ran third behind Jumal in last season’s Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic at Invercargill.

Delayed flights and changed stabling arrangements have added to the stress for the twenty seven year old.

“It’s a bit stressful for the first time away.”

Ideal Crown stormed home on Sunday to run second in the Southern Oaks just a head behind Show Stopper.

“The main goal this time in, was the Northern Oaks if she was still going well enough. And she had to race well in the Southern Oaks to warrant going.”

This preparation hasn’t been smooth. After running well at Invercargill and Roxburgh, Ideal Crown caught a bad virus which hung around for six weeks, hindering her progress in the Oaks series.

“That made a start in the Final difficult. She wasn’t going to get a start until Indulge Me withdrew.”

Ideal Crown was originally supposed to fly to Auckland yesterday but the flight was delayed but she’s settled well in Christchurch temporarily.

“Turning around after she raced on Sunday took a wee bit out of her but she’s bright and well. She’s practically eating everything and she’s got her old mate Tartan Trilogy up here with her.”

The flight is scheduled for tonight.

Ideal Crown has drawn barrier six in Friday night’s fillies feature but will come into five once the balloted horses come out. She’ll be driven by Bob Butt.

“It would have been nice to have drawn in. But I’m not opposed to finding the inside over 2700 and taking a few shortcuts because a few will no doubt get tired. If she can slot in  somewhere and not do any work, she shouldn’t be too far away at the finish. She probably lacks a real high turn of foot but she can still sprint as good as most. She’s just so honest and will give 110%.”

Ideal Crown will stay at Mark Jones’ satellite stable at Pukekohe where Australian pacing star Swayzee is currently stabled.

Faithful says ten of the large ownership group are expected to be on course for the Group One feature.

“I didn’t think either me or her could top last year, but to run second in the Southern Oaks and then be going to Auckland for a Group One is pretty surreal. It’s one of those things I guess some people will never get to do.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink