The battle of the Mikis

Race Five at Ascot Park today was the ‘Battle of the Mikis’ with Mighty Miki (Always B Miki) trained and driven by Matty Williamson beating by a head Miki Skipper, driven by Hayden Douglas who works for Williamson.

Both horses were first and second favourites on the back of some solid form and both deserved a maiden win.

Vice Chairwoman made the pace but was pestered by Miki Skipper all the way and Mighty Miki got a dream run behind the warring leaders.

“I was laughing most of the way. The only thing is, he’s not one for firing past another horse so I wasn’t counting our chickens before they’d hatched,” Williamson said.

When Vice Chairwoman waved the white flag, it was left up to the two Mikis to fight out the finish and Williamson wasn’t sure about winning.

“I did when I first came out but halfway down I started to wonder, but I knew on the line he’d stuck his big melon out.”

MIGHTY MIKI REPLAY

Williamson thinks Mighty Miki will be better for a break.

“They ran a fast time (2-24.8) and would be competitive in a grade up. He’s just dumb like some of the Mikis are. He likes to look around rather than focusing and getting the job done.”

Prior to today’s win Mighty Miki had been placed nineteen times in his thirty six starts.

“I think he’s averaged $1,000 a start which is good going. If you had a horse like that you’d be more than happy, but it has been frustrating at time when he looked as though he could win and he hasn’t done it.”

The four year old is owned by Kelvin Reed.

“Kelvin is getting on now and he’s the only one I have for him. Most of his horses are with Robert Wilson who lives near him. Kelvin is an owner that came from Geoff and Jude (Knight) so it’s great to get the win.”

Mighty Miki is a half to Fiery Ferret which won nine races for the Knights and to Falcons Watch, the winner of five for Wilson.

“He’ll go for a really good spell. He really needs it because he’s been in for a long time. I’ve been waiting to reward him with a spell after he wins a race but he’s been playing the game of ‘I’m staying here for a while’.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink