Delphyne stays clean in front

Bruce Stewart Journalist

The wet old day at Ascot Park today was of no disadvantage to Delphyne (Sundon) who  pushed off the gate early, avoided any backwash and led all the way to the finish line.

At the line the three year filly who’s trained by Brent McIntyre had half a length to spare on Jaccka Ace, with Becky’s Girl charging home late to finish third two and a half lengths away.

Delphyne is out of Majestic Way and is one of the last Sundons racing.

“It was the last of his semen to go into a mare. We got the mare off Blackie (Alister Black). I worked it out that Sundon went really well over that breed. She is what we got,” McIntyre said. “It was the last shot ever of Sundon.”

She’s from a family developed by the late Peter Williams and Maurice and Neville Skinner. Her pedigree traces back to Princess Way, which left Sundon’s Way (15) and a host of other winners. Wins for Sundons Way included the Canterbury Park Trotting Cup and the Ashburton Trotters Mile.

Majestic Way was bred by the Skinners and her dam Out Of My Way is a half to Alley Way (11) and a full to Only One Way (8). Over the years the family has clicked particularly well with Sundon, leaving the likes of Appian Way (6), Idid It Myway (14) and Any Old Way (7).

After being educated at Macca Lodge, Delphyne was sent north to Phil Williamson’s Oamaru stable where racing was available for two year olds.  

“She managed to win a two year old race. We tipped her out and gave her a good spell and she’s come back real good. When Phil gave her back to us he said we had a chance with her because she had natural speed. We’ll steer her towards the New Zealand Oaks and the Harness 5000.”

The win was the three year old filly’s third in just ten starts.

“We’re not selling her because it’s nostalgia. We hope she just keeps improving quietly and will be a nice horse down the track. Our right hand man Carl Hanna is doing a brilliant job with her.”  

She will now head to the Diamond Creek Farm/SBSR Southern Surge Finals at Central Southland Raceway in a fortnight.