Williamson to start Canterbury raids

Southland trainer Nathan Williamson heads north on Thursday to Addington for what he hopes will be some successful raids on harness racing headquarters.

Three year old trotter Joeking (Majestic Son) lines up in the Dancinginthedark M Three Year Old Trot.

He’s won four of his last five starts with his only blemish happening at Winton two starts ago.

“He stepped off on the wrong foot and once he does that, he doesn’t settle that quickly. It wasn’t ideal but we took him to Gore last week and he did everything right in what was sloppy conditions and I was pleased with how he went,” Williamson said.

He faces a small but quality field of three year old trotters including last start winners Bring On The Muscle, Father Time and A Fine Patrick in the 1980 metre mobile event.

“He’s had trouble with the mobile before, but I think he’s a more mature horse now. He’s pretty tough minded and I think that shines through in his racing. We’re going to find out a lot about him in the next four to six weeks as in how far he can go and what sort of ability he has. He’s the sort of horse you don’t want to hot up at home. He does a lot of strong work at home and the races have been bringing him on. What he’s done we’ve been impressed with, so hopefully he’ll just keep improving.”

Flying Ellie (Art Major) takes her place in the sixth heat of the Nevele R Three Year Old Fillies Series.  She hasn’t raced since winning at the G2 Southern Oaks Final in April.

The heat has attracted a quality lineup with All You Need Is Me, Louies Girl, Reklaws Dream and Treacherous Baby amongst the rivals.

Williamson has taken Flying Ellie to two workouts.

“She’ll need a race or two to sharpen her as she always does. She’s very healthy and well and should keep improving with racing. The New Zealand Oaks is her main aim because the longer distance appears to be her forte. She’ll race in these fillies’ heats (Nevele R) and hopefully qualify for the final,” Williamson said.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink