By Tayler Strong
Brad Williamson has chosen to drive Majestic Man in the 2-year-old trotters section of the Harness Jewels at Ashburton on Saturday.
Brad was given the choice of drives by his trainer father, Phil, who also Springbank Lachie and Majestic Connies in the race.
Brother Matthew is driving Springbank Lachie and another brother, Nathan will take the reins on Majestic Connies.
“It was a tough decision. They are all good horses. I drive Majestic Man and Springbank Lachie at home,’’ said Brad.
“Springbank Lachie was a bit sick after his last start second (eight lengths behind One Muscle Hill in the Yearling Sales Final) but he seems right again.”
Brad (22) drove Springback Lachie to impressively win the NZ Trotting Stakes and Majestic Man to a last start win the Sires’ Stakes Championship. He has driven Majestic Man in two other wins from four starts.
Matthew drove Majestic Connies in his last start win at Invercargill. He was also aboard BJ Lindenny, runner up to Majestic Man in the SS race.
Brad (22) has had four drives in the HJ with his best effort a third on Monnay when there was a section for 5-year-old trotters at Ashburton in 2013.
Trainer Graeme Anderson was pleased with Eamon Maguire after driving him to win workout at Forbury Park on Sunday in preparation for the 3-year-old pacers section of the Harness Jewels. Eamon Maguire led for the last 1200m and he was not extended to return 2.44 for 2200m (mobile), the last 800m in 58.1. He finished a length clear of stablemates Elusive Flight and Sovereign Banner.
“It was just what he needed. He is very well and on target but couldn’t have got a worse draw (nine – the outside of the front line),’’ said Anderson.
Eamon Maguire has made his mark among the 3-year-olds this season with a dashing win in the Southern Supremacy Stakes final, a third in the NZ Derby and second in the Sires Stakes Sophomore Classic.
Break Dance, who has not raced since she won at Alexandra Park on April 28, won a workout at Ashburton on Saturday. There is a race to suit the Amber Hoffman-trained mare at Invercargill on Saturday week.
War Horse, a newcomer to the stable, won a workout at Forbury Park on Sunday.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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