At the recent harness racing trials and workouts in Canterbury we have had reasonable sized fields in the two year old trotting heats but as is becoming the norm,when we head to raceday the numbers drop away dramatically.
The two year non tote trot at Ashburton Raceway today only had three runners but why it may have lacked numbers, it certainly didn't lack for quality.
The Phil Williamson trained Winnie McGoogan lead out early for part owner / driver Matthew Williamson and kept up a steady tempo in front.
Regal Love from the All Star barn with Tim Williams in the bike settled into the trail and these two juveniles stayed in the same order until the passing lane presented itself for Regal Love.
It looked likely for most of the last 200 metres that Regal Love would wear down Winnie McGoogan but the daughter of Muscle Mass refused to lie down and still held a nose advantage at the finishing line.
Regal Love lost no admirers making ground on a 28 second last quarter and both these young trotters look to have the ringcraft necessary to be competitive in the stakes races that are looming in the next couple of months
The mile was cut out in a respectable 2:4.6 with the last quarter in a sharp 28.
Matthew Williamson was more than happy with his young charge.
" She was a bit short today so I thought she may be vunerable but she is very honest and stuck it out well."
" Her manners are excellent and that will stand her in good stead further down the track."
" We will head to the next two year old trot at Timaru now," Matthew said.
The colours that Matthew wore today on Winnie McGoogan belonged for many years to Dick Prendergast who had a great run over a long period with the straight out trotter.
Matthew is in the process of getting his trainers license after which those familiar colours of Red,Black and Gold chequered sash will once again be seen on a regular basis on raceday.
Harnesslink Media