Grand Prix high achievers back on home patch today

After producing career highlights on Grand Prix day, a couple of local lads will be out to chase more harness racing success at Oamaru on Wednesday.

In the reasonably early stages of what are sure to be stellar training careers, both Matthew Williamson and Kaleb Bublitz produced their first Group 1 placings on Sunday.

Williamson’s Princess Sadie (Muscle Mass) stormed home to take third in the Group 1 Ace Of Hearts, while The Merc (Royal Aspirations)  gave a great sight while running second for Bublitz in the Group 1 Ace Of Clubs.

Williamson and Bublitz will combine with two runners at Oamaru, with Bublitz to drive Winning Bones (race 7) and Hayley Robyn (race 9) for Williamson.

“Hayley Robyn’s work has been good, and she’s got a good draw; we are still learning about her, but I am hopeful she can go a pretty nice race,” Williamson said.

“She would probably be the best chance out of my team.”

“Winning Bones is as good as anything in the field he is racing, but he has been a bit disappointing in his last couple of starts.”

“He is better for having a couple of runs, so I am hoping he can show his best this time.”

Williamson has three starters from his team racing each other in two races on Wednesday.

Dem Bones Dem Bones and Granny Rose take on Winning Bones, while Hunting Weight and Wolfenstein square off with Hayley Robyn.

The trainer’s remaining runner Jordan Anne looks a place contender in race 5.

Williamson teams up with several handy outside drives on the Oamaru grass on Wednesday.

Among them is Sheza Trendy One who can start the reinsman’s day off in style in race 1.

“She looks a big winning hope; she was only just nailed on the line on the grass at Wingatui.”

“She wouldn’t have to go much better on Wednesday to be hard to catch.”

The Steve Allen trained first starter in Lord Fantasy in race 4 also looks a winning threat for Williamson.

“He has trialled nice, and he seems to have a bit of upside; he’s a good chance.”

Major Cheddar also looks a threat for Williamson and trainer Brad Mowbray in race 2.

“He was pretty solid at Wingatui last week, and he gets into a very suitable race; he’s another one that looks a handy chance.”

Classie Linc is probably the most talented horse Williamson combines with on Wednesday.

But in her first standing start, the mare also looks the riskiest proposition.

Classie Linc was very slowly away in a recent trial, which should have punters nervous about her chances in race 6.

“The first 10m is going to tell the story; if she gets away with them, she’s a big chance, but she can’t afford to do much wrong over 2000m.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand