Williamson takes winter team to Ascot Park

Branxholme harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson will take an inform winter team to the Invercargill HRC meeting at Ascot Park on Saturday (Jun. 17).

Consistent trotter Del’s Creation (Creatine) looks to have her chance to clear maidens ranks in Race One. Her standing start manners are a lot better now and she has more consistent form than most of her rivals.

“She’s been racing okay but been a little bit weak. She was entitled to go better the other day but that was over 2700 metres. Back to 2200 and off the unruly she could jump out and settle in amongst the first few rather than the last few which will make a difference. She’s generally quite quick away but she’ll need to improve because she’s been pretty average,” Williamson said.

Impressive last start winner Bill Bootit (Majestic Son) gets his chance to put a second win on the board in Race Four.

“He built through to that win nicely and he won with a bit in hand. Hopefully the step up isn’t too big for him. He’s a horse with a bit of talent but he’s just got to do things right. I probably would prefer him over 2700 metres at this stage so he can find his feet. We’ll get a line on him this week to see how talented he is for the future.”

The very consistent Onwardsandupwards (Art Major) gets a handy draw (4) giving her options in Race Five.

“She’s been racing good. It was her first run for a month the other day so she probably needed the run. She had a good blow and will be better for the run. We’ll be positive from the draw, and she’ll be hard to beat.”

In Race Six Merlin’s brother Durrant (Art Major) also draws a nice marble (2) and will be driven by regular pilot Ollie Kite.

“The formline reads that he’s a bit in or out. He was running right into it the other day then broke and had a flat tyre as well. We’ve been pretty happy with him. He’s on an upward trajectory and his work’s been really good. So from the better draw which is key for him because he can’t do a lot of work, he’ll be hard to beat.”

The lightly raced Mr Cash Man (Shadow Play) looked to have won at his last start before being run down by Lucys Delight (Bettor’s Delight) who came up the passing lane. Saturday’s field looks a lot stronger.

“I thought he went well but once again it was a couple of weeks between races and I might have been a bit easy on him. They ran 2-42 on a cold day which wasn’t a bad run. Although the field’s a bit stronger, I expect him to go a bit better this week. Let’s hope he can run top four again.”

Hangin With Hector (Bettor’s Delight) came home late for second at his last start. He draws three on the second row and follows out Whata Razzle Dazzle (Washington VC).  

“What A Razzle Dazzle can get off the gate good so that should help. He’s a horse that thrives on a bit of racing. We’ve changed his workload around home and he was much better the other day. He’s my best bet.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink