Williamson and Gray continue the battle for Southland premiership

Nathan Williamson and Brett Gray are the frontrunners in the battle for the Southland Trainers Premiership, both having a good chances to advance their title claims tomorrow (Sep. 29) at the Gore Harness Racing Clubs meeting at Wyndham.

Williamson’s classy colt Rakamurph (Captaintreacherous) won on debut and then backed it up with a good second in the Oamaru Juvenile Stakes. He lines up in Race One.

“He’s come through the run (Oamaru) well and is improving all the time. It’s a small field which is a shame for the club but he’s a nice horse and I think he’ll be hard to beat,” Williamson said.

He draws inside his main rival Spirit Of Arion (Sweet Lou).

Charlie P (Master Glide) strung together very good form at the end of his last campaign, and he returns to the racetrack with two trials under his belt. The four year old starts in Race Eight.

“He trialled nicely in that second trial. He’ll keep improving and he’s a genuine horse who’s in for a good campaign. As he gets older, he’s going to mature. He’ll go a good race.”

Brett Gray has four runners down to start at the Young Quinn Raceway.

There was plenty of confidence surrounding Xlendi (Somebeachsomewhere) when he debuted at Oamaru earlier this month and the giant four year old, after experiencing traffic problems, came home late for a very good second. He draws barrier seven in Race Four.

“It was a great run at Oamaru. It was a good effort to get as close as he did because he was a bit off the leaders at the top of the straight. He’s thrived since. He’s my best bet,” Gray said. 

Cool Phelan (Pegasus Spur) starts off the twenty metre mark in Race Five. She didn’t finish as well as expected at Oamaru.

“She didn’t handle the trip to Oamaru, had a good shake and shiver and had run her race before she had it. She’ll be a bit calmer racing down here and I expect her to go a bold race.” 

Swedish Starlet (Mach Three) after looking like the winner at her last start at Winton, was run down late. She gets a chance to go one better in Race Seven.

“She just ducked in a couple of times. She’s doing a good job and isn’t too far away from winning.”

Peregrine (Pegasus Spur) (Race Eight) faced stronger opposition last time she raced at Oamaru. Despite her twenty five metre handicap she should have too much quality for this field.

“It’s a nice race for her. Tristan is driving her for the junior concession. Hopefully she gets a good run and runs home.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink