Duchess back

Unbeaten trotting filly Duchess Maria (Father Patrick) was back at the workouts yesterday at Wyndham as she looks to kickstart her promising career.

The now three year old’s last start was at Addington in September as a two year old when she beat Kyvalley Ray in the G3 ‘The Sundon’ before an injury halted her early three year old campaign.

“She was there to get her pass from the stand, which she did. She trotted good and I was pleased with her because it was her first run back in a long time. She’ll have another trial in a couple of weeks and we’ll look for a race to kick her off again. She feels good but it just might take a couple of runs to tighten her up. In saying that, she’s a pretty naturally fit horse so I dare say she’ll come to it pretty good,” Williamson said.

Duchess Maria beat Massive Merc by one and a half lengths, running her last 800 metres in 58.1.

Her first main target will be the $60,000 Macca Lodge Sires’ Stakes Three Year Old Trotting Fillies Classique at Addington in the months time. One of her main spring targets will be the $125,000 New Zealand Trotting Oaks at Addington in early November.

Rakmacknra (Captaintreacherous), Indulge Me (Downbytheseaside), Secret Agent Man (Sweet Lou) and Partytime were also at the workouts.

Their heat was won by Indulge Me who beat Rakmacknra by a nose with a nose back to Partytime.

Rakmacknra and Indulge Me were rounding off their preparation for Sunday’s Southern Surge meeting at Winton.

“Kirstin (Green) drove her (Indulge Me). She finished off nicely. She’s a quality filly and just went there to stretch her legs.”

After finishing third in the first heat of the Rising Stars, Partytime (Tall Dark Stranger) will take his place in Friday’s $30,000 final at Addington. Secret Agent Man (Sweet Lou) last started in the Macca Lodge South of the Waitaki at Addington in Show Day in November.

“I had Mark Hurrell drive him. It was his first run for a long time. He broke a bone in his leg last year so had a long time in the spelling paddock. He’ll take a few runs to tighten up.”

The five year old gelding will target Country Cup races in the spring.

Meanwhile there was little separation for three Williamson runners in a Learners Heat at the Invercargill Workouts on Friday.

Meshino (Bettor’s Delight), Hush Up N Dance (American Ideal) and Rustler (Bettor’s Delight) ran to the line together in their first public appearance.

Three year old gelding Meshino is a full brother to Braeview Kelly and Cut N Run, while three year old filly Hush Up N Dance is the first foal out of the talented mare Shut Up N Dance who won all three of her race day appearances for Ken Barron.  Rustler is a full brother to Sheriff and Wrangler.

All are in the early stages of preparing to qualify.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink