Williamson lines up some good chances on Cup Day

Leading Southland harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson has some strong chances at Addington on Cup Day.

Up and coming trotter Charlie P (Master Glide) lines up in the two mile trot. He warmed up for Tuesday’s race with a good second behind one of the Dominion favourites Muscle Mountain, at the Cup Trials on Wednesday.

“He travelled up last week on his first trip away and he’s settled in well. I was really pleased with his trial. He might need a bit of luck from the draw. He’s an underrated horse. We think he’s pretty consistent and he’s a laid back sort of customer in his races. So, I don’t see two miles as a problem,” Williamson said. 

In the Group Three Alabar Junior Free for All Sand Wave (Somebeachsomewhere) represents the stable. He ran a close second at his last start to Republican Party who will again be his main rival on Tuesday.

“I’m pleased with him and he’s working nice. The draw (inside second row) could either work out well or not at all. If he’s sitting not doing too much work, I’m sure he’ll be right there at the finish.” 

In what should be one of the exciting races on Cup Day, Rakamurph (Captaintreacherous) gets a favourable draw at four in the $170,000 Group One Woodland’s Stud Sires Stakes Series Final.

“There’s a wee bit of gate speed inside of us so we’ll just have to work it out as we go. It’s probably going to be a tactical affair. For me Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight) will be the one to beat especially from his draw.”

This is a very strong group of two year old colts and geldings with unbeaten Merlin (Art Major) and quality colt Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight) expected to be first and second favourite.

In Race Ten Get Up N Dance (Rock N Roll Heaven) gets a nice draw in an even field. At his last start in the Tuapeka Cup he was a disappointing fifth. 

“He was never travelling that well after he got checked early. He seems to have come on a bit since that run. He went well at the Cup Trial and I’m pretty happy with him. The draw is the biggest question mark and whether he can get out and hold up. He’s good enough and a good follower of speed if they went hard.”

The IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup rounds out Williamson’s day when he lines up Pembrook Playboy (Bettor’s Delight). The five year old gelding had to be scratched from last year’s Cup after picking up a paddock injury.

His form has been solid leading into this years $600,000 two mile feature and he draws favourably at seven. 

“Happy with the draw. He’s raced the last two weeks and I think last week’s runs was slightly better than Ashburton. He’s not the strong horse he was this time last year and as the pressure has gone on, he’s lost a wee bit of condition. He hasn’t had as good a prep as this time last year. It’s a strong even field and it’s great to be a part of it.” 

Williamson rates Charlie P and Sand Wave as his best two chances on Tuesday.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink