Williamson considering Great Southern Star

By Michael Guerin

Majestic Man may have earned himself a crack at Australasian trotting’s richest prize with his win at Cambridge on Thursday.

Because trainer Phil Williamson thinks the A$300,000 Great Southern Star is perfectly suited to New Zealand’s sprinting star.

Majestic Man claimed first blood in the clashes of the big three against Sundees Son and Bolt For Brilliance in the Group 1 Turf Bar Flying Mile at Cambridge.

He blasted straight to the front and was beautifully rated by Brad Williamson to trot a 1:55.8 mile and Sundees Son never really looked like catching him. Bolt For Brilliance came from last on the outer for a brave third but also never looked a winning hope.

Add in his demolition job in the Flying Mile at Ashburton in October and Majestic Man is making a name for himself as a mile sensation.

So while he will add to round two of the clash of the giants in the National Trot next Thursday, the What The Hill Great Southern Star on Melton’s all-trotting programme on February 5 looks perfect.

The Great Southern Star reverts to its original format of two heats over 1720m and a final the same night, which looks perfect for Majestic Man, especially with his blazing early gate speed.

Williamson will see how his stable star handles the National Trot next week and maybe even the Flying Stakes at Cambridge on January 8 before making any final decisions about Victoria.

“But it is very tempting,” he said.

“I am keen to go but when I heard they having a few more Covid problems this week I started to waver a bit.

“But if that is all in Sydney and things clear up then we have to think about it because he would love the two-sprint race format.”

The campaign would make sense as it sounds like very few New Zealand trotters are going and the Australian ranks are, while no pushover, far from scary.

The Great Southern Star will now be held on a Friday night on an all-trotting programme the night before the Hunter Cup also at Melton.