By Jonny Turner
Bob Butt’s team heads to Winton on Wednesday to attempt to continue the trainer’s outstanding new year form.
The trainer-driver has started 2022 with a bang and with runners at both the Winton and Addington meetings this week there looks a good chance that momentum can continue.
Butt has just one runner in the south with Prima Donna to start in race 6.
The three-year-old couldn’t have been much more impressive in her debut at Rangiora on New Year’s Day when powering away from her rivals to score by almost four lengths with Butt in the sulky.
“It was a good win, she is a pretty nice filly and she did it easy,” Butt said.
With the trainer on the lookout for his next generation of stable stars on the North Island Yearling Sales Tour on Wednesday the reins have been handed to Matthew Williamson on Wednesday.
Williamson has sat behind the filly before in trackwork at Oamaru when she was based with owner Ken Odgers.
Barrier 10 over a mile looks a little tricky for the combination, but Butt sees it differently.
“I actually think the draw will be ideal for her.”
“She is still a bit green, so having something to follow should help her.”
“She should be a pretty good chance.”
Matthew Williamson rates Jimmy Carter and Rocknroll Lover among the best of his remaining drives at Winton.
Jimmy Carter has found his best form in his last two starts ahead of race 4.
The Phil Williamson trained trotter beat a quality field at Cromwell two starts ago before going down narrowly to the smart Peregrine in his last outing at Ascot Park.
Rocknroll Lover starts for the second time in race 1 after a solid debut effort at Ashburton.
The Darryn Simpson trained pacer worked to find the front from barrier 15 and only faded late in the run home.
Rocknroll Lover looks to be dropping into an easier line up on Wednesday.
