What’s going to happen in the Supremacy?

Leading Southland harness racing driver Nathan Williamson has some history with the Southern Supremacy, having won the last two editions of the race.

He’s also driven and won, with Ohoka Connor (Sunshine Beach), Captain Tom (Captaintreacherous) and Wag Star (Sweet Lou). All three are leading contenders in this year’s field.

He’s pretty well qualified to comment on Sunday’s feature at Ascot Park, and he reckons the race this year could provide some intriguing scenarios.

“It’ll be one of the highlights of the season. They’re three extremely talented horses with contrasting styles. Ohoka Connor is a real tough horse that can do a bit of work, whereas Captain Tom’s got great speed and Wag Star is an all-round professional,” he said.

Unbeaten Ohoka Connor trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer with Hayden Cullen has won all five of his starts and draws barrier one in a front row with eight runners.

“I’m not sure if that’ll be an advantage or not and it’ll be how well he can get out of the mobile. When I drove him at his first start he drew one, lacked gate speed and got buried away on the fence. But he’s probably a bit more street wise now.”

Outside of the three likely favourites Williamson thinks the Craig Ferguson trained Da Vinci (Art Major) will add plenty of flavour to the contest.

“I think he’s underrated. He’s got great gate speed and I’ll be very surprised if he (from gate four) doesn’t cross. If Ohoka Connor got hemmed away the race could really open up. I think he’s (Da Vinci) good enough to give those top three a shake.”

So which way is Williamson leaning?

“I don’t think there’s a lot between all three of them. If I had the choice of drives it would be Captain Tom because the way I see it he has more options. He can stay on Ohoka Connor’s back if he holds the lead or because there are no other horses on the second row, he has other choices. But pound for pound maybe Ohoka Connor is the best. It’ll be interesting.”

Williamson will certainly get a bird’s eye view of the action as he’ll be driving Rakamurph (Captaintreacherous) which has drawn the outside of the frontline.

“He seems well after his last run, but we’ve been on the back foot with him. He’s had a few problems and we’ve been working to get him right for the big day. He’ll need to find his best form on the day to be a factor.”

This looks to be one the most exciting Supremacys in years. Bring it on!!!

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink