Williamson qualifies royally bred young trotters

Oamaru harness racing trainer Phil Williamson qualified five well-bred two year old trotters at the Oamaru trials on Wednesday.

Here’s a breakdown of their breeding and comments from their trainer.

Have A Little Faith (Majestic Son) – filly out of the unraced Muscle Hill mare Flying Hillary who’s a half-sister to Dominations Call (8), Rydgemont Milly (10), The Dominator (14) and Rydgemont Son (7).

“She’s a nice wee filly. She’s not very big, she’s inherited the family ability but is not strong enough to race in those early races. I’ll give her a freshener and won’t race her until Christmas time,” Williamson said.

Atlantic City (Volstead) – this two year old is a full sister to Empire City, the winner of seven races including five Group or Listed races. She’s from the family of Cabaletta (7), Allegro Agitato (22) and Skyvalley (24).

“She goes nice but she’s a great big filly like her sister. She’s so big I’m thinking it’ll be nearer Christmas before she races too.”

Tarragindi (Majestic Son) – a gelding, he is the first foal out of the eight win Dream Vacation mare Kenny’s Dream who’s a daughter of One Under Kenny (11 wins).

“He goes nice too, and I like him. He’s probably the strongest of them all. He’ll have three weeks off then we’ll work him down and he’ll be the first one to race.”

What’s The Whisper (What The Hill) is out of Sundon mare Tessa’s Pride who’s a full sister to Irish Whisper (11), Heard The Whisper (7) and Chinese Whisper (16).

“He needs a little bit more time because he’s slightly weaker in terms of two year old racing. We won’t rush him. He’s got ability and a nice gait but he just needs to mature because he’s a wee bit of a nervous horse.”

Rangitata (Tactical Landing) is a half-sister to Le Reveur (6), Ballyronan (7) and recent Addington winner Torquey Street. She’s from the same family as champion trotter Lyell Creek (56) and pacers Harnetts Creek (13) and Swan Creek (8).

“Probably on the score of sheer talent she’s the most talented. It was a five horse trial and she settled fifth. They came home in a minute and she finished right up beside them so she’s probably gone the quickest last 800 metres. She’s a giant in terms of height and will need a bit of time but because of her ability we’re tempted to have a go with her as a two year old.”

Williamson has a strong record in the country’s feature juvenile trots.

• Listed Macca Lodge Two Year Old Fillies Classique at Ashburton – Empire City
• G1 One Ace Of Hearts at Addington – Empire City
• G3 NZ Trotting Stakes – Springbank Lachie
• NZB Standardbred Harness Million Two Year Old Trot – Ultimate Stride and Diedre’s Flash
• G2 Two NZ Sires Stakes Two Year Old Trotting Championship – Empire City and Majestic Man.

With HRNZ announcing nine Group and Listed races for two-year-old trotters for the second half of the season and stakes for them worth more than $600,000 there’s plenty to target in the next four months.

“It’s great news. It’s certainly the lift the game’s been needing. It’s across the board for all ages and now trotters are involved in it. Entain’s been a breath of fresh air. It’s a shame it’s only a three or four year deal, then we’ve got to stand on our own two feet. I hope there’s someone working hard in the background to come up with a plan to keep us going forward.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink