A Hidden Talent wins impressively

Hidden Talent’s (Bacardi Lindy) win at Ascot Park today chalked up another harness racing win for the progeny of Sundon mare Juliana. But the win had to withstand an enquiry.

Punters who backed Hidden Talent into favourite had to endure a few hairy moments when the three year old filly broke shortly after the start, losing considerable ground.

“Warming up she was a bit on edge, so it didn’t surprise me that she made that wee error. She’d never been to Invercargill, and she hadn’t seen all those things at the track before,” said trainer driver Nathan Williamson.

She recovered well, latching onto the field and inside the final 400 metres let down nicely to win by a length and a quarter from second favourite Caen.

HIDDEN TALENT REPLAY

“I was pretty pleased with the way she equipped herself. She went between runners at the 800 and I was pleased with the way she handled that. She finished things off strongly which I knew she probably would.”

Williamson says Hidden Talent won’t be seen back at the track anytime soon.

“We’ll put her on ice for a couple of months and just work our way through winter and then look for an appropriate race later on. The Southland Trotting Oaks will be a target. I think she’s talented enough and deserves a chance. She just needs to strengthen up as she’s a little immature.”

Bred and owned by Keith and Bevan Grice of mid Canterbury Juliana has been a very good broodmare. Father Christmas the winner of twenty races – eleven in New Zealand and a further nine in Australia has had good success.

But arguably her best progeny is Dark Horse (Bacardi Lindy). Her career was significanty hindered by injury and she still won fourteen races. Other good winners for the mare have been Monty Python (15) and Sarah Palin (10).

In total the mare has left the winners of sixty eight races.

“She just keeps leaving horses with good ability and the Bacardi Lindy cross works. All these horses have a great bloodline because they can all run.”

Hidden Talent is a full-sister to Dark Horse and is raced by the Griffins Syndicate which has raced many of the other progeny from the mare.

“The syndicate gets good success but they’re never in any hurry and don’t put any pressure on the trainers. As a two year old this filly had the ability to compete, but it would have been the undoing of her. Dark Horse was very similar early days, but the syndicate never pushed or panicked me. They’re great owners.”

Later in the programme today Williamson trained and drove Hangin With Hector (Bettor’s Delight) to his maiden win.

He secured the trail behind favourite Bobby Waterhouse and when asked to sprint Hangin With Hector was too sharp, winning by a length and a quarter.

HANGIN WITH HECTOR REPLAY

“A real progressive wee horse. He was ready to race at Christmas time, but he pulled a muscle in his back end. We gave him six weeks off and worked him back. We were confident at his first start but it was a terrible day, and he didn’t handle the track. It was a pretty big run at his last start when Ollie (Kite) drove him, but he didn’t have too much luck.”

Williamson says there’s been a bit of buyer interest in the horse.

The gelding is out of Mach Three mare Dolly McD who has also fashioned an excellent record. Her winners include Bernie Winkle (57), Toby O’Gara (8) and Statham (6).

“Bernie holds an Australasian record for wins on one track (Mildura). This horse is very similar to him. Not very big but he’s got good speed and is a genuine racehorse.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart for Southern Harness Racing