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Tassie pair earn trip to Caulfield

Stone Cold Stunner.
Stone Cold Stunner. Picture: Tasracing.com.au

Wesley Vale-based trainer Glenn Stevenson has built a three-win lead atop the Tasmanian Trainers' Premiership, and this weekend, he will venture interstate with two horses that have contributed heavily to his season win tally of 48.

First Accused and Stone Cold Stunner have nine victories between them for the 23/24 season, earning themselves a trip to Caulfield on Saturday in search of suitable races.

Following his Summer Festival victories in the Newmarket Handicap and Tasmanian Stakes, both at Listed level, First Accused is firmly in contention for the Ladbrokes Horse of the Year title, and Stevenson has found a 1400m benchmark 100 for his first-up assignment.

"He's not the greatest track worker, but I can't fault him," said Stevenson of the 6YO gelding, who last raced on 28 February but won a recent (23 April) Devonport trial.

"If they all accept, there looks to be a heap of speed in the race, so if we draw a nice gate, we'll try to settle midfield and hopefully finish off nicely."

4YO mare Stone Cold Stunner started her career in Victoria with the powerhouse Ciaron Maher & David Eustace stable. She arrived to Stevenson as a four-start maiden but will return to Victoria to compete in a fillies & mares benchmark 78 (1400m) with seven wins to her credit.

"I think the race is for country trainers with a path to get into the country final.

"It's a different ball game over there, but I think she's probably worked the best she has ever worked leading in," Stevenson said.

Both horses will head to Victoria on Wednesday and be ridden by Codi Jordan on Saturday.

Closer to home, Stevenson expects to head south to Hobart with a small team of runners for the nine-race program on Sunday.

The $50,000 3YO Autumn Classic is the day's feature race, where Stevenson has nominated two runners.

"Greenness and Hobart might count against Wickham Light, but I think he can win if he races genuinely enough.

"Es and Es is going alright too, but he's a horse that switches off, so Kelvin (Sanderson) will suit him as a strong rider, and he'll be getting home if they run along."


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