Southland rider Nathan Williamson is gearing up for the busiest time of the year. Over the next four days he will start the horses in Addington on Friday evening, the Tuapeka meeting in Invercargill on Sunday and six runners in Ashburton on Monday.
Duchess Maria (Father Patrick) is the heavy favorite in tomorrow night’s Macca Lodge Sires’ Stakes Two Year Old Fillies Classique as she looks to keep her unbeaten record intact.
“She looks good and is eating well. She did a good test last week,” said Williamson.
He has three runners at the Tuapeka meet on Sunday.
Get up and dance (Art major) was full of running at his last start, but it was never clear to finish his race. He gets a wide on seven in Race Six.
“He ran out of space at the last start but felt really good. I had him nominated last week but he ended up getting a knock on the leg. That settled down and he seems fine again and hopefully we can have a bit of luck. He’s a good horse on his day and can handle anything at home but he’s inconsistent and doesn’t have too many good days. He seems quite happy at the moment so that’s a good sign.”
Smart two-year-old filly Indulge Me (On the coast) is in the two-year-old feature film Race Seven.
“She’s a very nice staying filly. I’m quite happy with her.”
Dreams are free (Captain Treacherous) who has not won for 12 months, takes his place in the Tuapeka Lodge Cup over 2700 meters. His last start was last Sunday in the Oamaru Cup.
“He went really well and his times were good. He got away slowly, which is frustrating because we’ve had him practice a lot at home and he’s starting like a bullet. I think that run will make him even sharper.”
The $50,000 NZB Standardbred Aged Classic in Kaikoura is the horse’s next target.
Once Tuapeka is done and dusted, Williamson’s attention will turn to the high-stakes meeting in Ashburton, where all eyes will be on Captains Mistress. (Captain Treacherous) in the final heat of the Nevele R Three Year Old Fillies Series.
She has been the reference filly this season, but this will be her first race since campaigning in Brisbane.
She gets the plum draw of one.
“It’s refreshing for her to pick up an inside draw. She’s very adaptable. She can lead when she needs to, but if someone is acting crazy, we can follow a lead. We’ll just figure it out.”
Clotilde Wainwright (Majestic son) will start in Race Three.
“She is doing well and I am very happy with her. She has a good engine, so she will be difficult to beat.”
Quality mare Treacherous Me (Captain Treacherous) will start in the fourth leg of the Dunstan Two Year Old Fillies Sires’ Stakes Series.
“She’s been steadily improving. She was a little bit rogue after her first training, so we had to back off and get her through again. She’s a talented enough filly, but she’s got a tough draw. She’s going to need a few outside favors.”
Ruby Roe (Captain Treacherous) draws one in the $60,000 Group Three Mid Canterbury Trotting Owners Ladies Sprint.
“She’s never really had a (good) draw, so we don’t know how she’ll handle it. As long as those around her get out of the gate, they’ll be encouraging her to get out of there well. If she gets a nice run on the marks, she’ll finish strong.”
Hidden talent (Bacardi Lindy) starts from two on the second row in the Group Three Tactical Landing Ashburton Trotters Sprint and follows Muscle Mountain.
“It looks like a nice draw. Over the 1700 meters she has a lot of speed and she will follow the speed. She is in the top four. We will probably also take her to Kaikoura and then look at the Dominion.”
Secret agent Human (Dear Lou) starts in the last race and draws barrier three. He has not started since April and has had one training session in this preparation. When fresh it functions well.
“He’s just a nice horse and it looks like he’ll be hard to beat in that last race.”
Although figures are yet to be confirmed, Williamson has entered Duchess Maria, Indulge Me, Dreams Are Free, Clotilde Wainwright, Treacherous Me, Ruby Roe, Captains Mistress, Hidden Talent, Secret Agent Man and Always Dreaming to race during Cup Week.
“There are a few more possible. I’m actually looking after Love N The Port. Dad sent him to go for a swim with him so he’s on the list to go and there are two or three more that are possible.”
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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