Williamson trotter chance to upset favourite

Just as her arch nemesis has disappeared, Practical Magic (Majestic Son) must contend with another smart trotter.

The in-form mare heads to the second day of Cromwell’s big weekend of harness racing seeking a deserved win after four second placings.

The last three of those have come at the hands of the rejuvenated Hidden Talent, who has proven to be unstoppable over the past month.

While trainer Phil Williamson rates Practical Magic ($4.40) a strong hope of breaking through in Race 9, the Anderson Park Motel Handicap Trot (4.28pm) for a thoroughly deserved win, he knows she has another classy contender to overcome.

“I think Eurokash ($1.90) is the one to beat but our mare is definitely the hardest horse for him to beat,” Williamson said.

“He has to give us 30m which is a good advantage to us.”

Practical Magic has been a great find for the Williamson stable over summer, placing in nine of her 12 starts.

While she has put in a few rough steps in some of her stronger efforts, she only seems to be getting more fluent.

“I think she is getting confidence in herself and confidence in her gait.”

“She has shocked us with how she has kept improving.”

“Her form was just OK but she has just kept getting better and better.”

Williamson starts three horses in Sunday’s feature trot at Cromwell with Jimmy Carter and Majestic Love stepping out alongside Practical Magic.

Jimmy Carter has been on his best behaviour in his last two starts, but he’s only produced fair fourth placings for a horse of his ability.

“His run on Friday was pretty ordinary by his standards and I couldn’t really put a finger on why.”

“It is good to see him doing things right, but he would need to go better than that if he was going to be a chance on Sunday.”

Majestic Love made an early error at Cromwell on Friday and will need to improve her manners to feature on day two.

Our Pinocchio will attempt to go one better than his second placing on day one when backing up for Williamson on Sunday.

There are plusses and minuses as the seven-year-old approaches his second start in three days.

“He isn’t the best traveller, so being up here is an advantage for him.”

“But he is a big, lean machine so the back-up is not ideal for a horse like him.”

“He went a good race on Friday, the race was run upside down a bit and he was beaten by a horse off the pace.”

“He would have to be an each way chance again.”

Williamson also starts his maidener Didn’t Di, who looks a place chance after being checked on day one.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand