Timely run of form ahead of NZ Cup week

By Jonny Turner 

Another week or two of hot form would be just ideal to Bev Williamson.

The Oamaru owner-breeder was on fire at Winton’s Friday meeting, notching two wins and a quinella.

The first came with the progressive debutante two-year-old Kenny’s Aspiration who dashed late to score for trainer Brad Williamson and driver Kerryn Tomlinson.

Tarragindi then justified his favouritism for Nathan Williamson when winning over Have A Little Faith.

Williamson was naturally thrilled with her results last week, though she’s been in the harness racing game long enough to know you have to savour good times when they come your way.

“It was great, you kind of have your runs when things go your way but it is never too long until things can turn the other way.”

It would be handy if Williamson’s form could continue for at least another week.

She has Becky’s Girl nominated for the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting Oaks.

Redback Bob will also take on the New Zealand Trotting Derby Prelude on Friday night, while Have A Little Faith and Tarragindi will head to New Zealand Cup Week.

Becky’s Girl takes on an incredible line up of talent in the New Zealand Trotting Oaks.

While she’s in red-hot form, Williamson and husband Phil are well aware of what they are up against.

“She has been doing a super job but the field this year is unreal.”

“There are so many good ones in there and they can all win it.”

“The draw is going to be so important and it will probably come down to the horse that gets the best run.”

“Hopefully it is one of the ones from Otago or Southland.”

Williamson’s winning run at Winton started with Kenny’s Aspiration who started her career on a note that suggested she could race in age group company later in her career.

The filly charged through the line late, showing a nice turn of speed to score.

The win came in only the two-year-old’s second official visit to a racetrack after she qualified in a one-horse trial at Oamaru.

“I wasn’t that surprised she did that because she had to do it on her own at the trials and she did it nicely.”

“She’s a lovely filly and the speed she showed at Winton was great.”

Tarragindi had a busy last week, starting at Ashburton on Monday before winning on Friday.

But there was good reason behind the trotter racing on the quick back up.

“We are trying to qualify him for the Harness 5000, he needed another four starts so he is down to three now.”

“He will go to Cup Week now and be a bit closer to qualifying.”

The next batch of Williamson trotters have been arriving while the racehorses have been in hot form on the track.

The Oamaru breeder-owner has had four mares foal for two colts and two fillies.

Williamson and husband Phil are also working on preparing the yearlings they will offer at the national sales in February.