Dalgetys look to continue winning run at Winton

Two stables coming off success at the Hannon Memorial harness racing meeting look set for more at Winton on Thursday.

Cran and Chrissie Dalgety dominated Oamaru’s big day when winning four races and producing a quinella with their five starters.

Nathan Williamson headed north to his home track and produced Tarragindi for a strong win in the fast class trot, while Off The Canvas went to the line hard-held in an unlucky run.

The Dalgetys bring three horses to Winton on Thursday and there would be few surprises if they produced the same kind of winning strike-rate they did at Oamaru.

The stable’s day can start off in style with debutante Bill Ackman to start a short favourite for the Canterbury trainers following a sharp Ashburton trial win.

“He is a progressive horse and in maiden grade he should be highly competitive,” Cran Dalgety said.

“He still has a little bit of learning to do before he is the complete package, so we have opted to head to this race rather than a Sires Stakes heat.”

“He should learn a lot from the trip down south and we are pretty hopeful he might be able to cash in while he is down there.”

Joyride also heads south for the Dalgety barn, dropping back in grade after clashing with smart types at Addington recently.

“She slots into a good rating band for her, she was in against some handy ones at Addington last time and before that she ran a decent race in the Kurow Cup.”

“This time she’s the one at the top of the ratings and she should race well.”

From barrier 1 in rating 35-37 company, Bettor Than Lizzy looks another major player for the Dalgety barn.

“She hasn’t had much go her way lately, but hopefully from the 1 draw she will be able to make her own luck.”

Williamson also starts a three-horse team at Winton in Rakmacknra, Cheer Up N Dance and Shakedown.

From barrier 1 on the second row, Rakmacknra may need luck to continue his unbeaten streak.

“I am quite happy with him and I’m sure he will go a good race if he can get any luck from that draw,” Williamson said.

Cheer Up N Dance looks to land in a very suitable grade at Winton after taking on a Nevele R Stud Fillies heat just two starts ago.

“She has trained on well since her last run and in that field I’d like to think she’s a nice chance.”

Shakedown is the roughie among the Williamson team, with the trotter needing to bring his best manners after getting things wrong in his last start.

To see the Winton fields click here

by Jonny Turner for Harness Racing New Zealand