Hidden Talent on the way to better things

Hidden Talent (Bacardi Lindy) kicked off her four year old season with a display of class at the Winton Harness Racing Club’s meeting at the Central Southland Raceway today.

In the capable hands of junior driver Ollie Kite, the mare settled second last after starting off the twenty metre mark.

Inside the last 1200 metres Kite got onto the back of One More Moment (Majestic Son) and began to improve one off the inside running line. At the 500 Kite got Hidden Talent moving and in a burst of speed she hit the lead coming out of the final bend and went on to win by eight and a quarter lengths. Steve (Repeat Love) was the best of the chasing bunch.

The winning time of 3-03.3 for the 2400 metre stand was just outside the mare’s New Zealand, Southland and track record of 3-00.9 held by Jen Jaccka (CR Commando).

“Every move Ollie made was the right one, so I was rapt. I told him not to risk anything and to give her plenty of time. I said to come out about the 400 so he could move her wide and get a feel for how she is. Everything went to plan perfectly. That middle speed (in the race) really helped and she’s got good class,” Williamson said.

Nathan said the four year old mare will go to Hannon Memorial Day at Oamaru on 17^th September and race in the Group Three Jasmyn Gift Stakes.

“It was nice that she had a race today and the win was penalty free so she slips into that race nicely. From there we’ll build her through until the Cup meeting.”

Hidden Talent who’s a full sister to Dark Horse is raced by the Griffins Syndicate.

“They deserve a lot of credit. She ran second in the New Zealand Trotting Oaks and I was a bit disappointed with that run. I felt as though I was going to win the Derby but she broke coming into the passing lane. We gave her five months in the paddock after that. She was sound and fine but she just needed to fill out and she’s done that. She’s a lot more mature. Greg (Crawford) and Mark (Noonan) are the mainstays of the Syndicate, and they always leave it up to the trainer. Trust in your trainer and you get the best results.”

Williamson says Hidden Talent will be nominated for the G1 Dominion Handicap at Addington in November.

“She will be nominated. Things can happen with other horses closer to the time so whether we go there or not will depend on her form.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink