Williamson goes wide

Southland horseman Nathan Williamson is gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Over the next four days he’ll start horses on Friday night at Addington, on Sunday at the Tuapeka meeting in Invercargill and on Monday will have six runners at Ashburton.

Duchess Maria (Father Patrick) is the hot favourite in tomorrow night’s Macca Lodge Sires’ Stakes Two Year Old Fillies Classique and she’s looking at keeping her unbeaten record intact.

“She’s looking well and is eating well. She trialled nicely last week,” Williamson said.

He has three runners at the Tuapeka meeting on Sunday.

Rise Up N Dance (Art Major) was full of running at his last start but was never clear to finish off his race. He gets a wide at seven in Race Six.

“He ran out of room last start but felt really good. I had him nominated last week but he ended up getting a knock to the leg. That settled down and he seems fine again and hopefully we can get a bit of luck. He’s a decent horse on his day and can work with anything at home, but he’s inconsistent and doesn’t have too many good days. He seems quite happy at the moment so that’s a good sign.”

Smart two year old filly Indulge Me (Downbytheseaside) lines up in the two year old feature, Race Seven.

“She’s a pretty nice staying filly. I’m quite happy with her.”

Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous) who hasn’t won for twelve months takes his place in the Tuapeka Lodge Cup over 2700 metres. His last start was in the Oamaru Cup last Sunday.

“He went really well and his times were good. He was slow away which is frustrating because we’ve given him a lot of practice at home and he begins like a bullet. I do think he’ll sharpen up from that run.”

The $50,000 NZB Standardbred Aged Classic at Kaikoura is the horse’s next target.

Once Tuapeka is done and dusted, Williamson’s attention will turn to the high stakes meeting at Ashburton where all eyes will be on Captains Mistress (Captaintreacherous) in the final heat of the Nevele R Three Year Old Fillies Series.

She’s been the benchmark filly this season, but this will be her first race since she campaigned in Brisbane.

She gets the plum draw of one.

“It’s refreshing for her to pick up an inside draw. She’s very adaptable. She can lead if she has to, but if someone is going silly we can take a trail. We’ll just work it out.”

Clotilde Wainwright (Majestic Son) will start in Race Three.

“She’s going well and I’m really happy with her. She’s got a good motor so she’ll be hard to beat.”

Quality filly Treacherous Me (Captaintreacherous) will start in the fourth heat of the Dunstan Two Year Old Fillies Sires’ Stakes Series.

“She’s steadily got better. She was a wee bit crook after her first workout, so we had to back off her and bring her through again. She’s a talented enough filly but she’s got a tricky draw. She’ll need a few favours from out there.”

Ruby Roe (Captaintreacherous) draws one in the $60,000 Group Three Mid Canterbury Trotting Owners Ladies Sprint.

“She’s never really had a (good) draw so we don’t know how she will handle it. As long as the ones around her leave the gate that’ll encourage her to get out of there well. If she gets a nice run on the markers she’ll be finishing powerfully.”

Hidden Talent (Bacardi Lindy) starts from two on the second row in the Group Three Tactical Landing Ashburton Trotters Sprint and follows out Muscle Mountain.

“It looks a nice draw. Over 1700 metres she’s got a lot of speed and will follow speed. She’s a top four hope. We’ll probably take her to Kaikoura as well and then look at the Dominion.”

Secret Agent Man (Sweet Lou) starts in the last race, drawing barrier three. He hasn’t started since April and has had one workout this preparation. He does operate well fresh.

“He’s just a nice horse all round and he looks pretty hard to beat in that last race.”

Although the numbers are yet to be confirmed, Williamson has penciled in Duchess Maria, Indulge Me, Dreams Are Free, Clotilde Wainwright, Treacherous Me, Ruby Roe, Captains Mistress, Hidden Talent, Secret Agent Man and Always Dreaming to race over Cup Week.

“There’s a few more possible. I’m actually looking after Love N The Port. Dad sent him down to try a bit of swimming with him so he’s on the list to go and there’s another two or three that are possibles.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink