NZ HARNESS NEWS
It may have been an inconspicuous appearance to most but Tim Williams’s smile told a thousand words at Ashburton on Tuesday.
It showed that last season’s Sires Stakes Final and Northern Derby winner was coming to hand nicely ahead of his imminent race night return.
Unsighted in a tote race since his emphatic victory in the Northern Derby at Alexandra Park back in March, the son of Auckland Reactor had a quiet time of it in the Ashburton workout, running mid-pack in a field of largely maiden pacers after a winning return at the same location last week.
Not really asked to extend by Williams, who stepped into the driving role for trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen, Chase Auckland hit the line strongly and, most importantly, felt fantastic.
“It was exactly what we wanted,” Williams said.
“He’s had a really good blow and will take a lot of improvement out of the run.
“I’m pretty happy with that.”
What was clearly visible was the notable changes in the makeup of the talented pacer.
During his spell from racing he’s strengthened right up and develop a serious presence that demands attention – a change noted by many who saw him in the flesh on Tuesday.
A winner of eight of his nine starts and close to $400,000 in stake earnings already – Chase Auckland’s return will add some real venom to the four-year-old pacing ranks for some of the major features which lay ahead.
But the camp behind the rising star won’t be rushing into anything they don’t have to.
“He’ll head back to the trials again next week,” Williams added.
“After that he’ll probably be ready for a race and things will grow from there.”
Safely through that trial next week the target will quickly become the Chariots of Fire in Australia earlier next year with a number of qualifying options available to connections.
They could head to the JLT Futurity at Cambridge on January 11 with the winner of that race given automatic entry into the Chariots of Fire or there will be plenty of options available in Australia.
Good enough to be considered a chance to be nominated for this year’s New Zealand Trotting Cup – there’s clearly plenty of excitement around the All Stars barn about Chase Auckland’s future prospects.
A large number of Alabar Racing Syndicate members were on hand for Tuesday’s workout with plenty of smiles offered up as their pride and joy made his way off the track.
- NZ Harness News
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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