By Jonny Turner
Matthew Williamson will be out to make the most of his catch driving opportunities at Thursday’s Fast10 meeting at Ascot Park.
The Fast10 harness racing concept comes to Southland for the first time, though it could be termed Fast11 with 11 quickfire races programmed on a twilight card of racing.
On a novel evening of racing Williamson has new experiences of his own, jumping behind two highly talented horses for the first time.
The reinsman has picked up the sought after drive behind Canterbury raider Somekindawonderful who looks hard to beat in race 8.
“It’s great to get the drive behind him, he is a smart horse and he looks well placed in that race,” Williamson said.
“He’s got a good draw to work with and he has got a lot of speed, he should be pretty hard to beat.”
Williamson also drives smart two-year-old Duke Of Cornwall for the first time in race 2.
The reinsman has the job of finding clear air for the Lauren Pearson trained pacer from his barrier 1 on the second row draw.
“It is a tricky draw, so he will need a little bit of luck.”
“But if he gets it he should be hard to beat, he was a nice two-year-old last season.”
Williamson will drive Schiavone from the same barrier draw in race 1.
After leading and having her chance last week, sitting in behind the speed may be an advantage for the Graeme Anderson and Mike Love trained mare.
“That draw should suit her pretty well, she is better driven in behind them and in that field she should get her chance from there.”
Wolfenstein starts from the other end of the draw spectrum, on the outside of the front line in barrier 6 in race 9.
Early speed will have a big effect on the pacer’s chances.
“He is pretty fast out, but it will depend on what happens inside him.”
“He likes to get handy and he has been racing well, so if things go his way he should be a good chance.”
Wolfenstein and Von Art both step out with Williamson’s colours, with junior driver Kaleb Bublitz to take the reins behind Von Art in race 6.
Williamson rates the junior driver as having a decent chance of breaking through for his first win with the mare.
“Her form is probably as good as anything in that field and she has drawn well (barrier 4), so she looks a good hope.”
Bublitz also drives Pinocchio, who looks a big winning threat in race 4.
Williamson rated Allaboutthemoment in race 11 as the best of his remaining drives.
“I haven’t driven her before but Brett has been telling me she is working pretty well.”
“We will see what kind of judge he is tomorrow.”
Williamson also combines with Sporting Robyn in race 3 and Mickey Jay in race 5.
