By Jonny Turner
A winning treble at Gore on Thursday should prove to be the turning point in Nathan Williamson’s spring.
The reinsman had been through a reasonably quiet patch up until winning with Gems Delight, Foxing Easton and Joeking.
With the shutdown of winter racing in Southland and few of Williamson’s stable stars having returned to the track, it’s understandable.
With his Gore treble coming just ahead of his big names returning to the track, Williamson’s quiet run looks certain to be over.
Star three-year-old Dreams Are Free and Flying Ellie, as well as brilliant two-year-old filly Captains Mistress are closing in on a return, while Always Dreaming is three to four weeks behind them.
Flying Ellie will be the first to step out at Addington next week, with Joeking a possibility of joining her on the trip north following his victory in the Udy’s Grain and Feed Ltd/ Regional Ford Gore Handicap Trot, at Gore yesterday.
If he does head to Christchurch, the trip should serve as something of a practice run for the talented three-year-old.
“He is a nice horse when he puts it all together, we might head to Addington next week, there is a three-year-old race up there,” Williamson said.
“He still has a wee bit to learn, but hopefully the trip to Addington will be a good experience for him.”
“We will probably bring him home and freshen him up a bit then look at some of the better races.”
“He is up to competing with the better three-year-olds, it is just a matter of whether he is mentally ready to handle it.”
Williamson led throughout with Foxing Easton who powered away for a big win on a testing Gore track in the Suregrip Mats NZ Mobile Pace.
The Brett Gray trained pacer was unlucky in his last start at Oamaru, but he wasn’t short of clear air on Thursday.
“He really bounced through that run last and he went very well.”
“The trip to Oamaru made him and he was very sharp today.”
Williamson also won with Gems Delight who returned in brilliant style for trainer Brian Norman in the AON Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace.
The mare hadn’t started since June and she hadn’t had a trial leading into her return.
But the Gore trainer had her right up to the mark as she scored in testing conditions.
“She’s done a great job, she’s had a couple of foals and come back and raced consistently last prep,” Williamson said.
“She thrived in the conditions today, it was a good effort by Brian and the horse.”
Like Williamson, Norman enjoyed a winning treble at Gore on Thursday.
The horseman trained both Gems Delight and Sherwood Maggie to win, while he is also the breeder of Foxing Easton.
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