By Jonny Turner
It is easy to forget that one of the stars of New Zealand harness racing is just a baby.
That’s how driver Tim Williams describes Aardie’s Express who will take her spring campaign in a new direction at Winton today.
The classy mare is set to start at red-hot odds ($1.20FF) in a mobile mile that features the return of another big name in Robyns Playboy.
Aardies Express was set to win her last start at Addington before she broke before the home turn.
Williams blamed himself for the mistake but in reality it was inexperience shining through.
“She hung on the bend and I gave her a bit of a slap with the reins and she got the fright of her life,” the reinsman said.
“It is easy to forget that she has only had the 11 starts.”
Aardie’s Express looks to have today’s mile race at her mercy given her class.
The fact that the mare has won several races in Southland only strengthens her claims.
“She should really enjoy getting back on the bigger track, she has raced really well at Wyndham and Winton on her trips down south,” Williams said.
“It looks a nice race for her and hopefully she will be tough to beat.”
Robyns Playboy and Life Of Art look the main threats to Aardie’s Express in her southern mission.
Robyns Playboy, who has an outstanding fresh up record, returns to racing after producing a solid effort in a workout at Wyndham last weekend.
Life Of Art returns to mobile racing after missing away in the recent Kurow Cup following an excellent win at Winton.
Williams also combines with Miki Bennett who starts for Stonewall Stud in race 9.
The race has been blown wide open by the scratching of the impressive maiden winner, Itoje.
Miki Bennett brings handy Addington form south and looks a genuine eachway threat.
“To be honest he has been a little bit disappointing lately,” Williams said.
“He hasn’t quite raced up to the way he has been working.”
“I think the track should suit him and if he were to put his best foot forward he would have to be a chance.”
Williams will also links up with the Jonny Cox trained Hes Santas Excuse on his trip south.
The pacer brings solid Canterbury form to his former home track at Wyndham.
The step up from racing over 1700m to 2400m today looks a plus for Hes Santa’s Excuse in race 4.
