Good horses facing tricky situations tonight

Phil Williamson has won enough major trots to be a realist.

So his thoughts on Friday’s Addington meeting are far more about steering harness racing punters towards the favourites rather than his stable’s chances of upsetting them.

Williamson has winning chances runners in both Aces Trots on Friday, with Tarragindi (Majestic Son) in the IRT Ace of Clubs for the 2YO Colts and Geldings to open the night and Atlantic City (Volstead) in the TAB Ace of Hearts 2YO Fillies Trot.

He also has Empire City (Volstead) facing both Keayang Zahara (Volstead) and barrier 9 in the $140,000 NZ Trotting Oaks later in the night.

“They are all good horses facing tricky situations,” says Williamson.

“Tarragindi (R1, No.2) is a lovely horse but I don’t know how he is going to beat Meant To Be.

“He was too good for us last time and our horse is still very much learning.

“I think the small field helps Meant To Be. If he had to go back to last in a 14-horse field we would be a long way ahead but in a five-horse field I can see him getting parked or even the lead when he wants it.

“So I think he will win.”

Atlantic City has barrier 1 and Williamson says that will suit her as she is still learning to race.

“She is only doing things on natural ability at the moment so to get a trail behind one of the favourites would be ideal.

“But can I see her running past a horse like Habibti Pat? Maybe not.”

The fillies trot is a bigger field so obviously has more chances with one of the best value options being Ocean Eyes for a place.

The northern filly ran on strongly against the boys last start and while she couldn’t beat Habibti Pat (fourth to her third) then she was the best of the other fillies so back to her own sex she looks a great Top 3 chance if not better.

Later in the night Williamson knows beating Keayang Zahara may be beyond Empire City but he is just as confident she is the second best filly in the What The Hill NZ Trotting Oaks.

“The problem is the draw,” he admits.

“We have to start from out wide and if we go forward and burn we use up gas and then Keayang Zahara will come attack later, if she doesn’t go forward straight away as well.

“But if we go back from out there (barrier 9) then we probably get stuck behind horses who aren’t going to take us anywhere.

“So I will leave that up to Ricky (May, driver).”

For complete race entries, click here 

by Michael Guerin, for Harness Racing New Zealand