Test match day for Trotting fillies

For the first time the New Zealand Trotting Oaks will carry Group One status and Southland harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson is excited.

“That’s exciting for these three year old fillies. Winning it would be a career highlight,” Williamson said.

He gears up one of the favourite runners Hidden Talent (Bacardi Lindy) who in four career starts is unbeaten. He acknowledges this will be her biggest test.

Hidden Talent’s full-sister Dark Horse started in the 2016 Trotting Oaks finishing sixth with Wilma’s Mate and High Gait the two favourites fighting out the finish. 

Hidden Talent was taken to the Ashburton trials last Tuesday and wasn’t pressed to run a close second to Hanover D Moon (One Over Da Moon).

“I’m very happy with her. She’s spot on.”

The southern filly draws three while her main opposition Paramount Empress (Muscle Hill) and Double Delight (Captaintreacherous) have drawn one and two respectively on the second line.

“That looks perfect for her. I think she’ll get off the gate well and we’ll see what happens. We’ll give her her chance and lets hopes she’s up to it.”

Meanwhile Williamson is confident Sand Wave (Somebeachsomewhere) can return to form after a disappointing run in the Junior Free for All at Addington on Cup Day.

“He had a wee bug, he seems over it now and I’m real happy with him. I’m quietly confident he’ll go very well.”

Williamson says Rakamurph and Pembrook Playboy suffered from the same bug with Pembrook Playboy ‘getting really sick’ from the infection.

Friday’s Ian Dobson Three Year Old Classic has drawn a small but talent packed field with all the serious New Zealand Derby hopes lining up.

Sand Wave draws inside the two favourites Akuta (Bettor’s Delight) and Republican Party (Bettor’s Delight). North Islander Nicholas Cage (Art Major) will face his biggest test and first time at Addington. He’s won five of his eight starts. It was also great to see Beach Ball (Somebeachsomewhere) return to winning form last week and he just adds to the Derby puzzle. 

The $250,000 New Zealand Trotting Derby is another feature race at Harness Racing’s Grand Prix Meeting.

For complete Addington race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink