Branxholme neighbours may hold keys to feature races

Harness racing neighbours Alister Black and Nathan Williamson have key runners in tomorrow’s two feature races at Central Southland Raceway in Winton.

First starters South Beach (Downbytheseaside) and Train Station (Bettor’s Delight) and last start winner Captain Amore (Captain Crunch) will compete for Black in the first heat of the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes.

South Beach bred and raced by Lindsay and Ian Thomson has been to four workouts and a trial.

In his latest trial seven days ago the three year old held out stablemate Train Station by a nose.

“I was pretty happy. It was windy and blustery and I thought he trialed nice. He’s quite a nice horse but he’s still pretty green,” Black said.

Train Station is out of the four win Art Major mare Amore Lancome whose dam Lancome won thirteen races including the Group One Four Year Old Diamond.

He’s been to four workouts and a trial, winning three of his workouts.

“He’s pretty forward. He’s been trialing well but he’s a bit the same as the other fella and a bit green. He still has to switch on but he’s progressing nicely.”

Captain Amore is in an excellent vein of form and capped off three second placings by winning his last start at Winton. He’s been back to the workouts since and was hard held finishing fourth.

“He’s drawn a bit wide with it being a preferential barrier draw. He’ll be looking for a little bit of luck I’d say.”

When pressed to pick which of the three had the best chance, Black labelled South Beach.

“With him drawing one he could end up getting a nice trip.”

In the Vet South Equine Southern Belle Speed Series Williamson gears up likely hot favourite Ruby Roe (Captaintreacherous).

Her last start was in the Group One Breeders Stakes at Addington twenty days ago when she finished seventh, 2.7 lengths from winner Lakelsa.

“We drew well and tried to get her handy early which is against the pattern of how she normally races. It perhaps blunted her at the finish but she’s come back and seems well,” Williamson said.

In tomorrow’s 1609 metre race Ruby Roe faces eight rivals and carries the highest rating (R65).

“It’s fair to say on what’s she done, she’s the most talented in the field. That being said, mentally she’s still got her wee quirks and sometimes that can be detrimental.”

The four year old mare has drawn barrier six and Williamson has indicated he may take her forward at the start.

“There will probably come a time when we’re going to have to chance our arm and see whether she can make her own luck and Thursday may be the day. It’s up to Ruby and it’ll probably come down to how she feels on the day. She’s not simple to drive and we’ll just drive Ruby for Ruby.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink