By Matt Markham
Matty Williamson is driving along way for one drive tonight at Addington but he knows it will be all worth it.
The former leading junior driver will make a return trip of more than six and a half hours today and tonight – all for the sake of the Dominion Handicap bound, Alley Way who tackles the feature trot at tonight’s meeting.
Even if the journey doesn’t translate into success, Williamson is just excited to be getting back behind a horse with whom he has formed a strong combination with over the past few seasons.
“You’d go anywhere to drive him really,’’ he said.
“We’ve got some big races coming up so it’s nice to be able to get back on him and to start working towards those.’’
Williamson watched Alley Way kick off his campaign last week with Colin DeFilippi, who is now the horse’s trainer, taking the reins. And while to the naked eye, he might have been a little disappointing, Williamson knows that the version of Alley Way he hops in behind tonight will be a lot better for having had a run.
“He looked like he was going to really go up and push them last week, but just that last little bit he tried.
“You would expect him to do that fresh up but Colin said he will improve a heap of the run so hopefully we can be better again tonight when we go out there.’’
A noted staying-type, Alley Way’s main aim is the Dominon, but another shot at the Rowe Cup, in which he ran third behind Stent and Master Lavros last year, is also on the radar.
“He loves those races that turn into a bit of a fight in front of him.
“He needs the right amount of luck, but when he gets it, he’s pretty dangerous.
“His stand start manners are the real key to his success though.’’
It’s been a rapid rise for Alley Way and his group of loyal connections, but they do have a horse who looks capable of footing it with the best in the country.
“You’ve got Stent and Master Lavros and everyone else after that.
“I reckon this guy is as good as anything else behind those two and he should be a better horse this season.’’
Life won’t be easy for Williamson or Alley Way with a strong field of trotters assembled for the race.
Dual Jewels winner, King Denny kicks off his campaign from the back mark while horses like Kincaslough, Quite A Moment are also certain to make their presence felt.
“It’s a tough, very even sort of race so we are going to get a real good line on him after this week.’’
Alley Way opened with bookmakers last night at $6, sharing the third line of betting with Quite A Moment.
King Denny, who makes his race track return was rated a $2.20 chance on the fixed odds market while Kincaslough was a $4 chance with the remainder of the field in double figures.
Likely race favourite, Habibti was scratched from the event after she developed some soreness in muscles in her back.
It is believed the issues won’t be enough to derail her Cup Week aspirations, but it has been enough to keep her from the track this week.
After tonight’s assignment, Williamson will head home before turning around and travelling back to Canterbury to drive Belkmyster in Sunday’s Methven Cup.
“He’s a great wee horse. We just need that little bit of luck to go our way and he can give them a fright.”
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