"He's getting his mojo. He's a pretty nice horse," were the post race comments from trainer Phil Williamson after the well bred Springbank Eden won the Kina Craig Stud Handicap Trot at Gore yesterday.
 
The Angus Hall four year old was purchased for  $127,500 at the 2013 Sale of the Stars by Eastern Southland farmers Alistair and Denise Smith.

He's out of the four win daughter of Landora's Special which won thirty races including the Dominion Handicap and Rowe Cup.
 
"He's a good looking horse and that's why Smithy bought him. And he's starting to repay the faith we had in him."
 
His form early last season was at best patchy so at the end of the season Williamson gave the gelding four starts within twenty one days in a deliberate plan to strengthen him. 
 
"It was just to toughen him up."

"Putting those runs into them stands to them as they get more mature."

"He's a big horse and heavy boned but every year he's got better."

"As he's got better his gait has improved."

"As a two year old it wasn't that great because he was like a big kid."
 
Williamson says Springbank Eden has come back bigger and stronger this season and judging from the way he won yesterday more wins are in store. 
 
"He's definitely got more wins in him and I don't see why he won't win a few more."

"If he keeps improving the way he is he might be able to go all the way."

I think if we raced him next week he'd be even better."

"He jogged that. In saying that some of the favourite horses like Grey Power galloped but manners are important." 
 
Williamson will now look at the upcoming Central Otago racing programme before deciding whether to start the class three trotter at Omakau.  

Bruce Stewart  –  Southland Harness Racing