By Jonny Turner
Matthew Williamson hopes the good times can continue with Ariella at Wingatui on Friday.
The reinsman combines again with the mare who provided him with his 1000th win in New Zealand, last year.
From barrier 1 in race 8, Ariella looks a big chance of notching another victory with Williamson in the sulky.
“She is a good grass tracker, they have taken the hopples off her so hopefully she paces the whole way,” Williamson said.
“They have been looking at doing it for a long time because she prefers to have them off.”
“Friday is d-day, if she goes as well as she shows them at home – from a good draw (1) she looks hard to beat.”
Shandon Bells is another grass track specialist Williamson combines with in race 9.
The reinsman thinks the start of the race will be vital to the mare’s chances.
“The wide draw (10) is the only worry, she is quite a good beginner but she just has to get across to the markers to suit her style.”
“The start is going to be a big thing for her.”
“She has enough ability to be right there.”
Williamson starts two horses from his own stable in race 10 in R K Finn and Robyns Shadow.
R K Finn looks an eachway threat on the back of a solid last-start pipe-opener at
“I was really happy with his first up run, he made good ground on a fast clip.”
“With that run, I’d like to think he would be better for it.”
“He is definitely an eachway chance.”
Kerryn Tomlinson drives R K Finn with Williamson to drive stable newcomer Robyns Shadow.
“He is first up for the stable, we are going to learn a bit more about him with this run.”
“We haven’t done a lot with him.”
“It is a bit of watch and see with him.”
The Matriarch is another of the Williamson barn stepping out on Friday, in race 2.
Barrier 8 looks a challenge for the consistent filly.
Williamson will reunite with Top Pocket Chance in race 3, a horse that is capable of producing a big run when he’s in the mood.
“It looks a good race for him, he is as good as any horse on ability.”
“His manners are the key, he has the half-hopples off, if I can get him around the whole way he wouldn’t be scared of any in this race.”
Paradise Valley, who has form on grass tracks, looks the best of Williamson’s remaining drives.
