Williamson rates his Central chances

Although Pembrook Playboy (Bettor’s Delight) is scratched from the Central Otago FFA, Southland harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson still has a strong hand to play at Omakau on Monday (Jan. 2).

Rise Up N Dance (Art Major) has been well drilled at trials and workouts to start his racing career, and gets a nice draw (5) in Race Three.

“He’s a big boy and has taken a bit of time. He’s got quite a bit of ability and feels like quite a nice horse. The owners and I tossed up on whether we should run him in the Supremacy Heat, but we thought this race may be a better kicking off point for him,” Williamson said.

Onwardsandupwards (Art Major) also looks to have her share of ability after winning well at the Invercargill trials last month.

“She’s quite a nice wee filly but a bit light on experience, having her first race day start. She’s got a tricky draw but I’m sure she’ll be competitive.” 

There’s no doubting the talent of Charlie P (Master Glide) in Race Nine and he’ll be driven by part-owner Ollie Kite.

“He’s been going through the motions a bit. He had a wind operation when he was spelling last year. We’ve gone back to putting the Cornell collar on him for this race because we thought he wasn’t getting the full amount of air he needed. He’s been racing well but has been lacking that killer punch.”

Andy Hall (Andover Hall) lines up in the Trotting FFA and faces a small but talented field. He’s recently returned to the Williamson stable after a stint at Regan Todd’s Yaldhurst barn and ran home nicely at Gore last week for an improving fourth.

“I was really pleased with the run, and he trotted nice. I’ve been having a few problems with him in training so to have him go a nice race off the back mark was pleasing. He’s back to the mobile on Monday and that should only assist him. He went a really good race at this meeting last year running second to Sundees Son (Majestic Son) in a track record time, so he’s got to be some sort of hope.”

Hurricane Hendrix (Rock N Roll Heaven) last raced in May, and he’s shown at recent trials that he’s in good shape to resume.

“He’s a lot stronger this time in, and his gait has cleaned up. He was a bit “mixy” in his gait last year. He seems in a good space at the moment and I’m happy with his training. He’s drawn nicely at three and he’s an each way chance.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink