Supremacy should be a super contest

The $60,000 Group Two Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes Final at Ascot Park on Sunday looks to be an even affair with strong numbers fronting up and a good depth of talent.

Rolleston trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon line up Five Crowns (Bettor’s Delight) in the three year old feature. He was sighted running home late at Addington at his last start and gets a great draw at one, giving driver Blair Orange plenty of options.

“He can leave the gate pretty good but he’s not lightning (quick). If one did get across him it wouldn’t surprise me. He’s got enough gate speed which should open the field, so he can elect to go back around or stay where he is,” Nathan said.

Captain Commodore (Captain Crunch) draws six for Cran and Chrissie Dalgety. After racing rating horses at his last start, he’s back to his own age group and his heat win in the series was on this track.

“He was just a bit down on general health two starts ago and last start he sat parked for the whole trip at Addington against the older ones. We’ll call that a conditioning run for this week. He’ll be competitive and I’m looking forward to racing him,” Dalgety said.

Branxholme trainer Nathan Williamson who has won the Supremacy twice gears up Always Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight). He was massive when he returned to racing at Winton ten days ago.

“It was his first run. He needed that race and I’m pleased with the way he’s come out of it. A run like that they can go one of two ways. Touch wood he’s come out of the race really well. He seems to be thriving and I’m happy with his training. He’s come up with a tricky draw but hopefully he can navigate not a bad sort of run. Five Crowns looks the one to beat but four or five others are legitimate hopes as well. It should be an exciting race,” Williamson said.

Three facts about the Southern Supremacy Stakes

• This year the race has been carded as a 2200 metre mobile event. The last time the Supremacy was held over this distance was in 1992 when Giovanetto won at Gore. The race record over that distance of 2-49.7 is held by 1986 winner Sapper.
• The Ascot Park track record for three year old colts and geldings for the 2200 metre mobile of 2-39.6 is held by Mongolian Hero.
• This year will be Alabar’s 22^nd year of sponsoring the Supremacy.

Williamson and the Dalgetys also have other runners across the eleven race Diamonds Day card.

Race Five: $50,000 Group Three Entain Two Year Old Southern Classic

Duchess Maria (Father Patrick) – Nathan Williamson

“She’s been here three or four weeks. She’s settled in and I really like her. I took her over to the trials at Wyndham and she trotted nicely. Manners are the key in these two year old events. If she trots all the way she’s got the ability to compete. So I think she’ll be there abouts,” Williamson said.

Race Eight: Foveaux Communications Limited Mobile Pace

Secret Agent Man (Sweet Lou) – Nathan Williamson

“The Addington second was good. At Wyndham he went well but could have gone better. We’ve freshened him and maybe he’s just telling us he needs a little bit more time. I think he’ll be a better horse in the spring or this time next year. He’s fit and well and his work has been really good so I’m expecting a good run from him. Win, lose or draw he’ll go to the paddock.”

Race Ten: Regent Car Court Southern Cups Final

Miraculous (Bettor’s Delight) – Nathan Williamson

“I have been a little bit disappointed with him. He’s a horse with a lot of natural speed and he’s just taken a bit of time to find his feet in this grade. We’ve come into this race a wee bit fresher, we’ve tried a few different things with him and we’re hoping that’ll work. He seems very well, is eating well and I can’t fault his work. I’ll be interested to see how he fronts on Sunday.”

Race Eleven: Olphert Contracting Limited Mobile Pace

Ragazzo Major (Art Major) – Cran and Chrissie Dalgety

“Jonny Cox (driver) said he was tied at the 300 and you look up at the finish and he’s still there. If he can do something similar again he should pay for his bus trip down there.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink