By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
Majestic Man will have his first start in New Zealand since November last year when he contests the Canterbury Insulated Builders FFA Mobile Trot (1980m) at Addington Raceway on Friday.
He will once again have regular driver Brad Williamson in the bike and the Otago horseman has been pleased with the gelding’s two lead-in trials.
“It will be good to have him back and hopefully he can kick-off with a good first-up run,” Brad Williamson said of the seven-year-old trained by his father Phil.
“He trialled up quietly, but we have been happy with him. He seems forward enough to go into his first run.
“He has got to be a strong winning chance in that sort of race.”
Williamson said the aim is to get some confidence into the Group One winner before spring racing.
“He will have a few starts over the winter and hopefully get back into some form. He hasn’t won a race in New Zealand for 18 months,” Williamson said.
“It is just trying to find some New Zealand form again and if all goes well then he will probably head to the Ashburton Mile, which he has won in the past, and then onto races like the New Zealand Free-For-All.”
Williamson will also do the steering behind his own runner Ain’t No Angel in the Small Pryce To Pay Fillies & Mares Mobile Pace (1980m).
“She has been trialling up alright too. She is a handy filly,” Williamson said.
“She hasn’t got the best draw (12) but she is still a chance fresh-up.
“She will likely have three or four starts over winter and then she might have a freshen-up before the summer racing.
“Depending on how much she improves will depend on whether we compete in nicer races with her or not.”
It will be a busy day on Friday for Williamson who also has three runners at Invercargill.
“I have got a few racing over the weekend so hopefully we can get some results,” he said.
“Anteros has got ability but his manners have let him down in the past. If he trots all the way and doesn’t make a mistake, I think he is the one to beat in his race.
“Our Countdown is a highly strung filly and she has been getting a bit too keen lately and a bit fractious in her races. If she trots the whole way, I think she can win as well. She is a eachway chance if she brings her manners.
“I have also got a first-up pacing filly (Smokin Chedda) that has got a good draw (2).
“She is a small eachway chance and with it being her first start she is going to have to step up a bit for raceday. She has been winning easily enough at the trials, but we will see what she is made of on Friday.”
