Six of the best for Williamson at Winton

By Jonny Turner 

The first day of the Southern Surge turned into the Nathan Williamson show.

Williamson put on a driving clinic, reining home a career-best six winners in the sulky at Winton on Sunday. 

On the way, the reinsman joined elite company by passing 1200 driving wins in New Zealand.

While Williamson had a stronger book of drives than he's had right through the winter, he still had to execute on the track.

And he did exactly that.

"I had a really good book and it worked out good."

"I had some good draws and some nice horses to drive."

"To get six winners is a massive thrill and to have all of the horses race well was great as well."

Four of Williamson's winners came in his own colours, including debutant Rakmaknra.

The pacer thrived under raceday conditions, clearing out to win by nearly eight lengths.

"He was really good, he hasn't set the world alight at the trials but he is a very genuine horse."

"I was rapt with him today, he was impressive, I'm totally thrilled."

"He was the surprise package and probably the highlight of my day."

Group 1-placed filly Indulge Me ran to a regulation win in her return to racing ahead of what is a big spring and summer campaign.

"She got a nice run through and worked into the clear, once that happened and she found the lead she was going to be hard to beat."

"She's a lovely filly and she has some big targets later on, so hopefully she keeps stepping up."

Simply Amazing made the most of barrier one and Sunday's mile racing when sprinting along the inner to score.

Rise Up N Dance capped his consistent recent form when running to a deserved victory in Williamson's colours.

The reinsman linked also up with two impressive winners outside his own team in the trotting gait.

Williamson combined with trainer Brent McIntyre with Delphyne, who cleared out to score by almost four lengths.

"She's a lovely filly, I have been high on her right the way through."

"She ran a nice third first up, then made a mistake next."

"Back to the mobile today, with a nice draw she was too strong."

Williamson also combined with his father Phil Williamson, kicking his day off with a win in Sunday's opener with Redback Bob.

The three-year-old looked smart, clearing out to win by four lengths in his debut.