09 July 2015
By Matt Markham
The surname Williamson and Oamaru races go pretty much hand in hand these days.
Led by the family master, Phil and followed ably by his sons Matty and Brad as well as former local Nathan – there’s not many meetings that go by on the home track without a Williamson victory to celebrate.
Sunday’s meeting at the track should be no different with some strong runners set to don the famous black colours with the chequered sash.
Led by the in-form Springbank Eden who went down fighting like a caged tiger at Addington last week behind Everybody Knows, the lineup also includes the talented Zhenya, Pyramid Monarch and debutant Syndirella.
Springbank Eden will need to bring her best manners to the show if he is to feature again but it appears the well bred trotter is starting to finally get his act together and live up to his potential.
Matty, who drove the gelding last start, was impressed with the way he knuckled down and kept fighting.
“I thought Ricky (Ricky May) was going to go straight past us at the top of the straight,’’ he said.
“But then half way down I thought we were going to get him again, she certainly didn’t chuck the towel in.’’
Up against a big field of c1 trotters manners will be key, but with them he becomes very hard to beat.
Phil will also line up three other runners in the race with Pyramid Magic (Brad), Time For Success (Blair Orange) and Hengroen (Nathan) all chances of figuring in the finish.
Trotting mare, Zhenya finished a strong third at Forbury last time out and will be looking to make the most of her first start on the home track although she does meet a strong field that includes the talented Give Me Strength and Great Things Happen as well as proven open class performers Valmagne, King Of Strathfield and Live The Dream.
Pyramid Monarch also contests the same race with Brad handling the driving duties and a good second last start gives her a chance at getting in the money again.
There will be plenty of interest in the stables maiden trotter, Syndirella.
The Sundon three-year-old filly hasn’t set the world alight at trials and workouts but the fact she comes from the Williamson stable will see her well supported on debut.
Brad will handle the driving duties with Matty sticking with the Murray Tapper trained Pretorius.
Harness Racing New Zealand
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing