Williamson off to Winton

After a few weeks stationed at the Cromwell Racecourse, Oamaru harness racing trainer Brad Williamson is planning to head home, albeit via Winton.

Otago’s leading trainer from last season looks to continue his good run and has nine runners entered at the Winton HRC meeting today (Jan. 11) at Central Southland Raceway.

In Race One Five O’clock Gerry (What The Hill) and Dame Margot Fonteyn (Muscle Hill) line up for stable. Five O’clock Gerry has trotted well in his only two starts, for a second and a third.

“He’s young, learning and still a bit green but he’s been trotting all the way is his races which is a big bonus. If he repeats that he’ll be a good top four chance,” Williamson said. 

Dame Margot Fonteyn broke early at Cromwell but trotted home well for third. 

“She’s been making mistakes but is more than capable. Her last start gallop at Cromwell wasn’t entirely her fault. Another horse galloped and she just shied at that. She’s an each way chance if she trots all the way.”

Lauries Legacy (Majestic Son), Night Watch (Imperial Count) and Our Countdown (Bacardi Lindy) face the starter in Race Three.

The in and out Lauries Legacy normally comes right at this time of the season, and her last start third at Cromwell shows she could be trotting back into form. The mobile should also help her.

“Yes, the mobile is a big help. On her best form she’s definitely going to be tough to beat but I was impressed with Mad Jack at his last start.” 

Night Watch will appreciate the drop in class and her form has been pretty consistent this season.

“No one was expecting them to go that hard at Omakau. The 3-16 was a bit too fast for her ability. She trotted all the way for a creditable sixth. This is a weaker race but she’ll need a bit of luck from that draw (9).”

Our Countdown is the last of the Williamson runners in this race. She’s coming back from a spell and may need the run.

“She’s only had the one quiet trial. She does have ability, but her manners have let her down.

In Race Six Brad has three runners, Tony Mac (Love You), Mixed Faith (Father Patrick) and Domination’s Call (Trixton).

Tony Mac has had one run back this prep – a nineth, on the grass at Cromwell.

“We haven’t been overly happy with him. He’s lost a bit of confidence this prep while we were working him up and started making a few mistakes at home. At Omakau he was nicking the wheels, hanging a bit and wasn’t very happy. We’re expecting an improved run but he’s not 100 percent.”

Mixed Faith is in great form, winning her last two starts in what looks like a winnable race for her.

“She was making mistakes over the Cup Carnival but since she’s been at Cromwell her manners have improved and she’s the horse on the trip that’s thriving at the moment. She’s my best chance in the race.”

After winning on the grass at Gore, Domination’s Call ran sixth on a rain affected track at Cromwell. This race looks like a slightly easier task.

“He’s off 15 (metres) which isn’t a crazy big handicap. He’s a horse that likes to sit, then run home. If Kerryn (Tomlinson) can save him for one run, he should be running on well.”

Williamson’s final runner is in Race Nine when Tabasco (Bettor’s Delight) lines up. He raced against the likes of Captain Tom and Incredible Miki at his last start, finishing a creditable fourth.

“It’s a weaker race than his last starts so he has his opportunity to win. He’s come up with a nice draw so should be a good each way chance.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink