Converted pacer is Phil’s best for Oamaru

Master harness racing trainer Phil Williamson is confident fans can keep the faith in He Aint Fakin (Art Major).

The Australian pacer turned trotter is set to start at short odds despite being pulled up after galloping in his last start at Omakau.

Williamson took the Art Major trotter to the trials following his latest outing where he produced a steady third.

Though it did not look like the effort of a horse that was about to go out and start at short odds at the races, Williamson isn’t reading anything into that theory.

“He was there to step away and he did that,” the Oamaru trainer said.

“It wasn’t a flashy trial but it was solid and I was quite happy with it.”

Williamson is more inclined to take a line through He Aint Fakin’s recent work as he aims at his junior driver’s target at Oamaru on Wednesday.

“His work has been very good, if he was able to bring his manners I would expect him to be hard to beat.”

“That is the question because he is still pretty new to standing start racing.”

“But he is a horse with ability.”

Williamson has a two-pronged attack on Race 5 (3.40pm) at Oamaru with Harriet’s Moment bringing good form to the event.

“She has to bring her manners too because she can be a bit cantankerous at times.”

“But she’s been going good races and she would be an each-way chance if she did everything right.”

Seth Hill drives Harriet’s Moment, with Gemma Thornley to link up again with He Aint Fakin It.

Hill also combines with the Williamson-trained Torquay Street, later on the Oamaru card.

“She’s going nice races without a lot of luck.”

“With a bit more luck she should be a pretty good each-way chance, she’s pretty honest.”

What’s The Whisper (Race 2, 2.01pm) looks a big winning threat for the Williamson stable at their home track on Wednesday.

The trotter has placed in each of his runs this time in and is closing in on a maiden win.

“He’s going well and knocking on the door, he looks like a nice each-way chance again.”

Williamson takes the reins behind What’s The Whisper himself.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand