Denifostova’s first double on busy day at Manawatu

[Wandering Eyes]

By Brigette Solomon 

Junior driver Kristina Denifostova scored her first winning driving double during a “hectic” day at Manawatu yesterday.

Both her wins with Lewey Maguire and La Miki were trained by her employers Steve and Amanda Telfer.

“I am so happy, it was a huge opportunity for me to come down to Palmerston North and look after the horses over the past 10 days and to drive the team at the races,” said Denifostova.

“The two horses that won are some of my favourites in the stable and it was especially rewarding to win on La Miki as I’ve been driving her since she had her first fast work as a young horse, we’ve come a long way together.”

Denifostova’s first win came by way of Lewey Maguire in the Te Kawau Mobile Pace over 2000 metres. From barrier two the Sweet Lou gelding settled in the trail following Leo Lincoln who set a strong pace in the early stages. Denifostova was content to sit in behind the leader and upon straightening took the passing lane and capitalised on Lewey Maguire’s easy trip to get up and win by half a head over Leo Lincoln.

“That was the perfect trip that he needed, he’d raced ok the last couple of starts but been a bit unlucky ending up a bit too far back and having too much ground to make up,”

In the last event of the day, La Miki scored her maiden win in the Braig Mobile Pace, sharing the honours in a dead heat with the Murray Gibbs-trained Bet On Polly.

“I was so happy with her after finishing second at her last two starts here,” said Denifostova, “she really deserved the win.”

Denifostova dropped La Miki to the rear of the field after starting from a wide barrier, and Jetasi set a cracking pace in front resulting in the field being strung out in single file over the first lap. When coming into the final lap, La Miki joined the back of the one wide line and Denifostova patiently waited until the 600 metre mark to make her move three wide. Upon entering the home straight, La Miki fought on gamely to level with leaders, and both Bet On Polly and La Miki hit the line in unison.

As well as her two winners, Denifostova also had two third placings on drives she picked up just hours before the meeting due to the flight from Auckland carrying drivers Sailesh Abernethy, Kate Coppins, and Harrison Orange being diverted back to Auckland.

“I’ve never been so busy in my life, it was very hectic!” said Denifostova, “luckily Malcolm Little who was here looking after the team with me had everything organized and the horses geared up and ready to go.”

As well as being her first driving double, the wins were Denifostova’s first for the season.

“I’ve been working really hard watching a lot of racing and replays and trying to make good decisions when I’m driving,” said Denifostova.

“I’m very grateful to Steve for giving me these driving opportunities and even sending me away with the horses on this trip, It’s a big responsibility and I’ve really enjoyed it, It’s been great to meet other people and everyone here at Manawatu has been so welcoming and helpful.”

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