Williamson three ready for big day (Updated)

The Ashburton Harness Racing Club’s Labour Day meeting branded ‘Magic Monday’ looks like it going to be just that, with a raft of great racing across the eleven race card.

Southland trainer Nathan Williamson heads north with three runners, knowing they’re all in for a challenge.

Rakamurph (Captaintreacherous) lines up in the Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes heat. He ran seventh in the third heat of the series at Addington. After getting three back on the inside and not getting a lot of clear running space he finished the race well with only 3.2 lengths behind winner Don’t Stop Dreaming at the finish.

“It was a real sprint home and he was just getting the hang of things close to the line. I was really pleased with him, and he’s trained on well. I expect him to be really competitive. Obviously the Purdon/Cullen horses and the Telfer horse are the ones to beat,” Williamson said.

Rakamurph gets a nice draw at five with two balloted horses on his inside.

Sand Wave (Somebeachsomewhere) draws gate seven in the $40,000 Listed Garrard’s Sires Stakes Sophomore. He got caught at the back on a very quick last 800 metres (54.7) in the Lazarus and couldn’t quicken when Akutu marched forward, finishing sixth out of eight runners.

“He didn’t pace that well last week. He was unbalanced on the bend and was shoved wide, and you can’t be doing that on a 54 half. I’ve altered his hopples and some other gear. I took him back to the trials and I was thrilled with him. I think he’s on the up.”

Pembrook Playboy (Bettor’s Delight) will endeavour to get his New Zealand Cup campaign on track in the $50,000 Group Two Ashburton Flying Stakes. He ran a creditable third in the Hannon last month behind Akuta and Alta Wiseguy. It was his first run since April. He’s had a quiet workout since.

“He had a slight setback after the Hannon, so I decided to miss the Canterbury Classic and Methven Cup. I’ve freshened him. It’s the elite level and he’s going to have to be on the top of his game. I’ve always been in his corner, and I think he’s up to this class if he gets the right sort of run.”

Pembrook Play draws two with noted front runner BD Joe on his inside.

Stop Press Friday 21st October 2022

Nathan Williamson took his three runners for a final hit out at the Winton Workouts today (Oct. 21) before he heads to Ashburton for Monday’s meeting.

In a four horse 2400 metre mobile heat Sand Wave beat Foveaux Strait by a head, with a further half a head back to Rakamurph who finished along the inside.

Pembrook Playboy stayed on the back of Sand Wave all the way up the straight to finish fourth under a hold.

The winning time was 3-08.7 with the last 800 metres run in 57.5. All three ‘Magic Monday’ runners (Sand Wave, Pembrook Playboy and Rakamurph) looked primed for big runs, with Sand Wave looking particularly sharp.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink