Pembrook Playboy to represent Southland in ‘The Race’

Pembrook Playboy will represent Southland in the $900,000 “The Race” at Cambridge on 14^th April.

The Race concept is based around individuals, groups or companies buying a slot in the event on a three year contract. Their investment provides The Race with its funding and each slot holder then goes about getting a horse to represent them in The Race.

Pembrook Playboy started at Ashburton on Saturday, and up against a handful of Cup horses he finished second behind One Change.

The time for the 1609 metre mobile was 1-54.0 with the last 800 cut out in 56.2 and 400 in 27.6.

Here’s what trainer Nathan Williamson had to say about the run.

“To be honest, with the run he got he should have won and on his best day he would have won quite convincingly but that being said, I’m not disappointed with him. He still went a creditable race. With those good horses there are fine margins and if you’re not 110% you’ll only get second or third.”

Williamson said the horse came off the gate quicker than he’s used to and pointed out that this was it’s first mobile start for some time.

“He switched off in the running and loped along. When Jonny’s horse (Classie Brigade) came up on the bend he (Pembrook Playboy) got up on the nickel then. He had his chance, but the other horse was just better on the day.”

Williamson said Pembrook Playboy will come home and have a quiet week.

“I’m looking forward to giving him this freshener and getting him ready for those feature races in April and May. Leading into the big races we’ll make sure we tick all the boxes, get him checked out and make sure everything is spot on with him.”

by Bruce Stewart