By Adam Hamilton
Phil Williamson is hoping good things happen in threes.
It’s been a good news week so far for the master Kiwi trotting trainer, firstly getting his star trotter Majestic Man across from Auckland to Melbourne and then drawing ideally (gate five) for Saturday night’s $50,000 Group 1 Dullard Trotters’ Cup (2240m).
Now he’s just got to win the first of the big ones he’s crossed the Tasman to chase.
Aussie punters have unleashed, backing Majestic Man from $1.80 into $1.40 favourite within moments of the market opening.
“It’s all come together after a couple of weeks of uncertainty,” Williamson said. “He flew across this morning (Wednesday) and the draw looks really good for a horse with his early speed.
“I’m sure he’s as good as we’ve ever had him and he’ll strip a very ready horse this week, providing he comes through the trip well as settles in well.”
Williamson said Majestic Man thrilled him in his final workout at Tony Herlihy’s stables before flying out.
“Even though we’ve stuck up here longer than planned, he likes it here and he’s thrived. He’s ready to go,” he said.
“I don’t like to say to much before big races and there are some nice horses in this one, but I’m sure he’ll run very well.”
It’s a great opportunity for Williamson’s son, Brad, to snare his first Group 1 winner as a driver.
“That’s the main reason Bradley put his hand-up to go across with the horse because he hasn’t won a Group 1 and there are a few opportunities over there in the next month or so,” Williamson said.
“I could’ve gone with the horse and put someone like Anthony Butt on, but Bradley was very keen even though it means being over there for so long and quarantining when he gets back home in March.”
Majestic Man’s ideal draw is made even better by the fact his main danger, rising local star Majestuoso, will start from outside the back row (gate 10) for Andy and Kate Gath.
“He’s a nice horse and he’s got lots of speed, but it’ll be hard for him from that draw if our guy is in front,” Williamson said.
Other big guns like McLovin, Dance Craze, Red Hot Tooth along with the emerging Pink Galahs and Im Ready Jet are skipping this week and going straight into the Great Southern Star on Friday week.
