There’s no hiding the ability of trotter Hidden Talent

There’s no hiding the ability of trotter Hidden Talent (Bacardi Lindy), and according to her harness racing trainer she’s destined for better quality age group racing later this season.

The full sister to Dark Horse and a half to a host of other winners, the Nathan Williamson trained and driven three year old filly was slow at the beginning of her race today (Aug. 25) at Winton.

“It was by design as she rushed herself at her first start. The one next to me (Two Menny Muscles) is notoriously unruly so I didn’t want to be caught up in that either,” Williamson said.

Consequently Hidden Talent was back in the field but that didn’t bother her driver.

“They didn’t go that fast, so we were able to catch up and follow along nicely.”

Inside the last 600 metres Williamson got a nice drag into the race on the back of an improving Doctor Lavros. Favourite Minnie McGoogan, which had trailed for the last part of the race, let down nicely when she got to the passing lane while Hidden Talent was making her run wide out. Minnie McGoogan looked to have the race in the bank, but Nathan pulled the plugs on Hidden Talent, and she let down to win by a neck.

HIDDEN TALENT REPLAY

“She’s got good speed, so it was pleasing to see her finish off her race like that. I just had to balance her up at the top of the straight and Matty’s horse (Minnie McGoogan) was quick to the line.”

Williamson says he’ll probably stick to age group racing now and there are some good races coming up for three year old fillies.

“With the changes in the calendar she’s a lot better off than she would have been under the old calendar structure.”

Races like the Southland Trotting Oaks in early October and the New Zealand Trotting Oaks in November will be obvious targets for Hidden Talent.

“I’ve got to get a pass from the mobile, so she’ll go back to a workout or trial. She’s bred to be nice but she’s quite immature, so she’s still got to get stronger. These races being at the end of the season will definitely help her.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart