Good book of drives for Williamson

Appropriately, trotters head Matthew Williamson’s book of harness racing drives at Addington on Friday night.

The Oamaru reinsman heads north to combine with two key chances in square-gaiting races in Springbank Mason (Majestic Son) and Cody Banner (Bettor’s Delight).

Pacing-bred and known as the riskiest of types, Cody Banner got the job done at Addington last week when holding his gait to score from behind the mobile.

Williamson thinks Cody Banner can handle his move back to standing start racing in race 7 on Friday night.

“He went pretty good last week and it doesn’t look a big step up for him, it is a similar sort of field.”

“He is usually pretty good from a stand, so if he brings his manners again he would be a pretty good chance.”

Springbank Mason chased hard behind Only One Way (Majestic Son) who impressed in their last starts at Ascot Park.

While Only One Way looks very hard to beat again, Springbank Mason meets his rival on level marks after giving him a 10m head-start than in their last meeting and must rate an eachway threat.

“He went good last time and he should be better for that run.”

“It is a pretty handy field with horses like Only One Way and Repeat Pat in there.”

“But if he steps away and can stay handy he is an eachway chance.”

“A lot will depend on the start with him and where he settles.”

Williamson also combines with the consistent Emma’s Boy (Terror To Love) on Friday night.

Though drawing barrier 3 on the second row isn’t perfect, the pacer can still play a role in race 12.

“He has been going good races and if he gets any luck from the second row he should be thereabouts.”

Shanika (Bettor’s Delight) is in a similar position for Williamson heading into race 5, drawing barrier 4 on the second row.

“The draw is the main thing against her, she is going well enough and if she gets a bit of luck she’s probably a place chance.”

Prima Donna (Betterthancheddar) doesn’t have any draw issues heading into 3 having drawn barrier 1 in race 3 for Williamson.

“She is fresh up but she trialled pretty well at Oamaru last week.”

“Hopefully she can get a nice run behind one of the favourites and she would be a place chance, too.”

Williamson also combines with MC Squared (Superfast Stuart) in race 2 and Donegal Carnbouy (Bettor’s Delight) in race 11, who both look rough hopes.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand