Sweet Maggie Mae heads William's drives at Ashburton

By Mike Love

Canterbury reinsman Tim Williams has a busy book of eight drives at today's Ashburton meeting, and shouldn't have to wait long before adding to his tally this season.

He has 36 wins this year and is currently fourth on the drivers' premiership.

In the very first race of the day (11.53pm), the Chelsea Properties 2YO Fillies Mobile Pace, he reins the Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained debutante Sweet Maggie May ($1.55FF).The two-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou has trialled well, hitting the line with purpose in her most recent.

“It looks a good starting point today. Got a great draw, and I thought she’d be my best chance of the day.”

Williams rates Father Time ($4.00FF) in race four, the McIntosh Catering Trot, as a solid each way chance. The Kevin Townley-trained maiden trotter made a mistake last start against quality three-year-olds, but will only need to recapture his previous form to be competitive.

“Back to a maiden race. If he trots the whole way he will be a big chance.”

Partners In Wine ($14.00FF) for Jason and Ian Thomas in race 5, the Rosebank Life Care Fillies and Mobile Pace, Barrytown ($3.80FF) for Graeme Telfer in race 6, the Gary McCormick Transport Ltd Trot, and Hayley’s Meddle ($9.00FF) in race 8, the Pair of Old Jandals Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace, for Robert and Jenna Dunn Williams also rate.

“Those three are all good place chances with the right runs.”

In race nine, the Methven A & P Association Pace, The Conqueror ($6.50FF) for Trevor Harkness finds a suitable race. His good standing start manners over 2400m should have the seven-year-old American Ideal entire giving his punters a run for their money.

“It’s his cup of tea. He should land in the front half of the field which will give him a strong top four chance,” says Williams.

In the final race, race 11, the Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace, Williams combines again with another Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained runner in Jubilee Rock ($14.00FF). The A Rocknroll Dance mare has not raced since finishing seventh at Addington in July last year. Although she has had two trials to prepare, Williams feels she will benefit from the run.

“Her work has been good. Her trials have been pleasing. But being fresh up for a long time means whatever she does today she will improve on going forward.”

Williams also drives Spirit Of Gold ($21.00FF) in race 3, the Majestic Horse Floats Pace for trainer Brian Zampese.