Rangitata wins on debut

Despite sitting parked for the entire trip, first starter Rangitata (Tactical Landing) showed plenty of ability in winning her heat of the Diamond Creek/SBSR Southern Surge Series at Winton today.

The three year old filly is trained by Phil Williamson and was driven by his son Brad.

“She’s inexperienced and a bit nervous so that’s why Brad couldn’t rush her into a good position. He just had to wait until she was balanced up. When horses are starting out they can be very nervous and nerves can play havoc with their gait,” Phil said.

RANGITATA REPLAY

The short term plan is to race in the $25,000 Southern Surge Final at Gore at the end of the month.

“She’ll race as a maiden and that would make her one of the ones to beat, although it’s a tighter track which isn’t ideal for a giant. But in saying that she is lovely gaited.”

Williamson says Rangitata’s size comes from his sire Tactical Landing.

“She’s always been a very fluent trotter. She qualified as a two year old on a day I had five two year olds in (at the trials) and all five qualified and she’s the fourth winner out of the five.”

Rangitata is raced by Peter and Ben Smith, the Griffins Syndicate and Bev Williamson and is out of the two win Sundon mare Lough Neagh. Lough Neagh is out of Kahu Del who left good pacers and trotters, including pacers Swan Creek, Harnetts Creek and Cullens Creek. Kahu Del also left Kahlum the dam of one of New Zealand’s best trotters, Lyell Creek.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink