Three impressive wins for Williamson

Branxholme trainer Nathan Williamson unleashed some serious fire power at the Wyndham Harness Racing meeting today (Nov. 12).

The well-bred Neville Cleaver owned trotter Flying Without Wings (Pegasus Spur) made easy work of his thirty metre handicap to lead and put away eight rivals in the Malloch McClean Handicap Trot, beating fellow back marker Shandon Bells (Pegasus Spur) by three quarters of a length.

“He won nice and leading isn’t really his thing, but he got the job done,” Williamson said.

Flying Without Wings was purchased by Cleaver from breeder Michelle Caig as a weanling and is a half brother to a host of winners, including Sonofanearl (Earl), Pretty Sunday (Earl), Rosemma (Monarchy) and Leaf Stride (Love You). Flying Without Wings second dam is Rowe Cup and Dominion Handicap winner Merinai (Tuff Choice).

First starter Miraculous (Bettor’s Delight) also impressed when from a wide draw he got well out of his ground and settled last. He got a drag into the race inside the last 400 metres on the back of Robyns Hustler (Shadow Play) before coming five wide to challenge turning in. He put his opposition to bed halfway down the straight, winning with ease by two and a quarter lengths running the 2400 metres in 2-59.4.

“He was impressive too. He’s a lovely animal.”

The two year old bred by Breckon Farms, is owned by Australian Michael Boots who co-owns one of the favourites Swayzee, (Rock N Roll Heaven) in Tuesday’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup.

The third win came in the Matai Farm Mobile Pace when classy two year old Dreams Are Free (Captaintreacherous) made the most of his good draw to lead and win by four and a half lengths.

“I was thrilled with that. That’s the first time he’s led and it’s something new for him. He was a bit green in front and needed a bit of company. When Mama Mia (Sweet Lou) came up to him with a lap to go it made him concentrate. When I asked him to quicken, he was impressive.”

Today’s win elevated Dreams Are Free to seventeenth in the $110,000 Ace Of Spades at Addington next month.

“Hopefully the two year old race goes ahead at Winton next week and he’ll need to win that to get into the race and warrant the trip north. He’s a very talented horse and we’ve been patient with him.”

Owned by Brendon Fahy and the Dreams Are Free Syndicate, Dreams Are Free in three starts has won twice and was a very unlucky second at his only other start.

Meanwhile Williamson is happy with the three horses he took to the Wyndham Workouts yesterday: Hidden Talent (Bacardi Lindy), Rise Up N Dance (Art Major) and Micaitlen Denario (Captaintreacherous).

Hidden Talent won her workout well. She hasn’t been nominated for Cup Week and her main goal is the David Moss Stakes on Cup Day at Invercargill next month while Rise Up N Dance races on Tuesday at Addington.

“He’ll need a wee bit of luck on Cup Day but he trialed nice.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink