Princess Sadie primed for Classique

Princess Sadie (Muscle Mass) will be out for listed level harness racing spoils today as she looks to win the Macca Lodge Sires’ Stakes 2YO Fillies Classique at Ashburton today.

Princess Sadie has been very strong in her three career starts to date, including showing some blistering gate speed to lead from wide out at Addington last time.

Oamaru trainer and driver Matthew Williamson is going in with some confidence.

“She came through that run really well. She seems to be handling the racing at this stage. She hasn’t had the nicest of trips, but she bounces out of each one.”

“Just the draw is not the ideal part, so she’ll have to do a bit of work again, but she’s up to it.

Matthews’ father Phil lines up three runners, Empire City for Ricky May, Torquay Street (John Morrison) and Storm Cloud (Nathan Williamson). Other dangers are the Mark and Nathan Purdon trained We Can Have It All and respect for the well drawn Paul Nairn-trained Wypout.

“The main dangers look to be on the second line, so with her gate speed we might have to try and stay ahead of them.”

Princess Sadie is named after Matthew and his wife Charlotte Williamsons’ first child Sadie, and is part-owned by Charlotte and a number of syndicates.

“They are all really enjoying what she’s been able to do so far, most of them will be there today cheering her on.”

It’s just the second running of the Classique, following Show No Fear’s win last year.

Earlier on the card in race 3 Granny Rose will line up for Williamson also.

“The front line draw will help him, he’s a good beginner so he should have a good place chance.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand