Hammer knocks down first win

At the 2023 NZB Standardbred Yearling Sales in Christchurch Branxholme harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson bought two colts – Always Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight) and Hammer Down (Always B Miki).

Always Dreaming, an $85,000 purchase, won his first start at Invercargill in March and has gone on to win another race and finish second in the Group One Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic. Hammer Down a $20,000 buy, won his first at Wyndham today, making it a perfect result for the southern trainer.

“I was just saying coming over (to the stalls) that we bought two at the sales and they’ve both won as two year olds. They’re both looking like good buys at this stage,” Williamson said.

In today’s race Williamson gave the two year old the perfect run. He got into the right spots at the right time and Hammer Down let down too well for eight rivals, winning by one and three quarter lengths from Glenkenick (Always B Miki) and running the mile in 1-57.0.

HAMMER DOWN REPLAY

Bred by Steve Baucke, Hammer Down is out of Operative Asset which has left a handful of good winners including Belkmyster (11 wins) and Citylight (5).

“All the way he’s kept doing everything right. He’s a good mannered wee fella and a pleasure to train. When we were getting him going he was a bit of a character and could run out of his gear. But since we’ve got serious with him he’s been good.”

The two year old gelding is owned by Brendan Fahy and The Dreams Are Free Syndicate. No surprises that they also own quality three year old Dreams Are Free.

“Brendon’s been in the game for a long time and these young fellas (in the syndicate) don’t know how lucky they are with Dreams Are Free and now this fella. So they think racing is pretty good.”

Williamson will keep Hammer Down ticking over during the winter and look at racing the two year old against his age group in the spring.

“He’s genuine and he’s got a good turn of foot. He’s not big, got some developing to do and is not what you would call robust. We really like him and there wouldn’t be too much between him and Always Dreaming.”

The win by Hammer Down was Williamson’s 400^th training win.

“I got to 399 in the last race last week, so I didn’t hang around for too long. It was really good to get it out of the road.”

Meanwhile Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous) is still on a break after racing well in the first part of his three year old season.

“He’s at my place and is boxed every night. He had lightened up a little bit but he’ s now looking good. He, Miraculous, Always Dreaming and Captains Mistress all start work on the 1^st of July.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink