“She is well below her best form. We can’t put our finger on why she is so disappointing. She has been working on the track and telling us everything is fine. She recently had a gallop at Cromwell. Brent Barclay rode her and he was happy with the way she felt. I am not unhappy with the way she looks, we just need her to get her on the track,” he said.
Jimmy Carter (the press) is the other Williamson runner in the Southern Lights and his recent form has turned a corner.
“We just hope he continues to be the good Jimmy. Mark Hurrell will drive him and he has had a win over him before, so we just hope he can trot solidly like he has done lately.”
Williamson has won this race five times in its eleven-year history. Springbank Sam (2015), Monty Python (2017), Majestic Man (2019), Love N The Port (2023) and Jimmy Carter (2024).
The Oamaru rider has a number of other runners in the supporting trotting races.
What is the whisper (What the hill) the day starts in Race Three.
“He used to be quite erratic and a bit nervous around other horses, but he’s starting to get the hang of it and perform like a racehorse. But he’s still a bit of a work in progress.”
The four-year-old’s form was good this preparation, with a second and a third.
“He should have a good chance in that race as long as he can get away safely. He’s on the outside of the unruly. It will be important that he gets enough space as there are a few on the other side of the track. He’s certainly a top four chance.”
He has three runners in Race Six; Harriot’s moment (Volstead), Torquay Street (Father Patrick) and practical magic (Majestic son).
Harriet’s Magic was the last start winner at Cromwell, but tomorrow’s race is a big step forward in its class.
“She is a mare that is difficult to follow because she has certain concerns. If you knew she would do everything right, she would have a good first four chance. She is not the most manageable horse we have ever had and I don’t think there is a quick fix for that.”
Torquay Street’s form has also encouraged her trainer.
“She’s been a lot better in her last two or three starts after some disappointing runs. She had a lot of bad luck at Cromwell. She was in the course and got pushed back by a horse who stopped very quickly. She’s going to need a bit of luck. She’s better over the shorter distance, but she’s got a chance.”
Practical Magic starts from thirty meters.
“She is better if she has a good draw and is handy. Besides the handicap, it has to go your way.”
Williamson rates Jimmy Carter and What’s The Whisper as his best chances.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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