Inside the Phil Williamson camp

Phil Williamson can’t quite figure out Empire City (Volstead) at the moment. The former Group winner starts in tomorrows $40,000 Group Three Pryde’s Easifeed Southern Lights at Ascot Park, but hasn’t won since she was three.

“She’s been way below her best form. We haven’t been able to put our finger on why she’s been going so disappointingly. She’s been working the track down and telling us everything is fine. She had a gallop at Cromwell the other day. Brent Barclay drove her and he was happy with the way she felt. I’m not unhappy with how she seems, we just need it to bring it to the racetrack,” he said.

Jimmy Carter (The Pres) is the other Williamson runner in the Southern Lights and his recent form has turned a corner.

“We just hope he’ll continue to be the good Jimmy. Mark Hurrell will be driving him and he’s had a win on him before, so we’re just hoping he can trot solid like he’s been doing of late.”

Williamson has won this race five times in its eleven year history. Springbank Sam (2015), Monty Python (2017), Majestic Man (2019), Love N The Port (2023) and Jimmy Carter (2024).

The Oamaru horseman has a number of other runners in the supporting trotting races.

What’s The Whisper (What The Hill) starts the day in Race Three.

“He used to be quite erratic and a bit nervous around other horses, but he’s starting to get his head around it a bit more and perform like a racehorse. But he’s still a bit of a work in progress.”

The four year old’s form has been good this prep with and second and a third.

“He must have a good chance in that race as long as he can get a save get away. He’s on the outside of the unruly. It’ll be important that he gets enough room, because there’s a fair few of them across the track. He’s a top four chance for sure.”

He has three runners in Race Six; Harriot’s Moment (Volstead), Torquay Street (Father Patrick) and Practical Magic (Majestic Son).

Harriet’s Magic was a last start winner at Cromwell but tomorrow’s race is a big step up in class.

“She’s a mare that’s hard to follow because she’s got some manner concerns. If you knew she was going to do everything right she’d be a good first four chance. She’s not the most tractable horse we’ve never had and I don’t think there’s any quick fix to that.”

Torquay Street’s form has also encouraged her trainer.

“In her last two or three starts she’s been going a lot better after some disappointing runs. She was very unlucky at Cromwell. She was in the trail and got pushed back by a horse that stopped very quickly. She’ll need a little bit of luck. She’s better at the shorter distance but she’s got a chance.”

Practical Magic starts off the thirty metre mark.

“She’s better when she gets a good draw and gets handy. Off the handicap, you do need things going your way.”

Williamson rates Jimmy Carter and What’s The Whisper as his best chances.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink