Atlantic City might “lead all the way” at Addington

Phil Williamson knows Atlantic City (Volstead) has huge hoof prints to follow in.

But he says she is in the right race to take that next step at Addington tonight.

Atlantic City is the one year younger sister of Empire City, our best two-year-old trotter last season and arguably our best three-year-old this term.

That will be put to a stern test in the Hambletonian at Ashburton on Monday but before then little sister gets her chance in the $45,000 Macca Lodge Sires’ Stakes Classique at Addington tonight.

Atlantic City has only had two starts for an impressive win last time out and a fresh up second to the unbeaten Habibti Pat, who isn’t in tonight’s race.

“She has a way to go to watch her older sister but she is heading in the right direction,” says Williamson.

“She has great manners and a good combination of speed and toughness so she is a smart juvenile filly.

“I think she will go forward and can try and lead all the way.”

The obvious dangers are Ya Rite Darl and Queen Kizen, the latter storming home late last start.

The Williamsons also take Brother Johnson (R2, No.11) to Addington tonight to try and break his maiden, in the Murray Howard Handicap Trot.

“I drive him because he still has a bit to learn,” says Williamson.

“He will get there but he doesn’t have a great gait yet so I can’t tip him to win just yet.”

Looking forward to Monday’s mega meeting at Ashburton and Williamson says Empire City has come through her last-start shock defeat in the Southland Oaks in great style.

She led and looked the winner until she stood on a shoe that had come loose and galloped, losing all chance.

“She didn’t miss a beat after that and I have actually stepped her work up because she is going to need to peak for this and THE ASCENT.

“She is loving it and last time I put her in her paddock she was kicking and bucking and carrying on which is a good sign for her.

“I know there are some good horses in there but they are going to need to be good to beat her.”

For complete race entries, click here

by Michael Guerin, for Harness Racing New Zealand