Blue blood at Winton workouts today

Whilst Merlin (Art Major) and Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight), two of New Zealand’s biggest pacing stars prepare for the $250,000 Chariots Of Fire on March 2^nd, two of their siblings could be seen in action at the Winton harness racing workouts at the Central Southland Raceway today.

Both trained by Nathan Williamson, Captains Mistress (Captaintreacherous) is a half-sister to Merlin while Always Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight) is a full brother to Don’t Stop Dreaming and a half brother to rising southern star Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous).

Both horses ran over 1609 metres from the mobile.

Bred by Taffy Limited, Captains Mistress came from well off the speed to run down tearaway pacemaker Rakavenom (Rock N Roll Heaven), and won by three and a half lengths. The time of 2-00.8 was impressive for an early season two year old. The last 800 was run in 57.3.

Always Dreaming was middle field early, before securing the one one. He finished nicely,  winning by three quarters of a length from Here’s Johny (Johny Rock) who took out second for Peter Hunter. The overall time was 2-04.7 with the last 800 metres cut out in 59.3.

Williamson purchased Always Dreaming for $85,000 on behalf of the ownership group that also races Sand Wave (Somebeachsomewhere), while Captains Mistress is owned by Michael Boots of Boots Properties Racing Pty Ltd.

Williamson expects both horses to go to the qualifying trials next Friday at Winton, and once qualified they’ll hopefully begin their careers by competing in upcoming two year old races.

Studholme Bloodstock Limited will offer a full brother to Always Dreaming at this month’s NZB Standardbred Yearlings Sales in Christchurch (Lot 301) while Rosedale Farm is presenting Gemma Mac (Art Major), a Captain Crunch filly out of a full sister to Merlin. (Lot 162).

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink