Williamson clan set to star in today's Southern Surge heats

By Jonny Turner 

It could be another Williamson domination at the Southern Surge's second round heats at Ascot Park on Sunday.

Nathan Williamson dominated the opening round of the series when training four winners and driving another two.

The trainer-driver again has key runners in the second round in short-priced favourites Off The Canvas and Cheer Up N Dance.

Brad Williamson will roll out a powerful team of six including the talented To The Moon And Back and the in-form Cracker Opie.

Matthew Williamson brings winning chances to Ascot Park among his six runners, including key prospects The Dancer and New Mexico.

The patriarch of the Williamson harness racing dynasty, the old master himself Phil Williamson, has as many key chances as any of his sons do on Sunday.

Among them is Redback Bob, who was an impressive debut winner in the opening Southern Surge heats.

The trotter takes a sharp step up in grade, but Williamson senior is hopeful the three-year-old can take it in his stride.

"It is a step up for him, he is racing horses with a lot more experience than he does which is never easy."

"But if he is going to be the horse I think he can be, he should be able to handle it."

Williamson has the talented Becky's Girl in another of Sunday's trotting heats.

The filly could not have been more impressive in her last visit to Ascot Park, but she galloped twice in her last start at Gore.

"She's a nice filly and I am happy with her, but it is always in the back of your mind when they make mistakes like she did at Gore."

"She has the ability to be hard to beat if she can do things right."

Rangitata starts alongside her stablemate Becky's Girl on Sunday.

The mare made an early mistake and wasn't a factor in the opening round of the Southern Surge.

Williamson also has maidens King's Choice and Yukon Hill going head to head in Sunday's opener.

Both come into the race after producing tidy placings in their last starts.

"Nathan had the choice between them and he's gone with King's Choice, so we will see how good of a judge he is."

"King's Choice was beaten by a handy horse when he ran second at Addington."

"Yukon Hill doesn't have the experience he does, but there wouldn't be too much between them."

Brad Williamson will link up with Yukon Hill on Sunday.