Canterbury driver Tim Williams hasn't had too much to do with the Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic winner A Bettor Act.
The colt is trained by Williams employers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen and has run second in it's last three starts for a variety of drivers. Today was Williams first drive on the Bettor's Delight colt and it proved to be a winning one.
"Natalie, Mark and Nathan (Purdon) have all driven him. This was my first go and it was a nice day to pick up the drive," he said.
The winning time was a sensational 2-40.6 which was a new track, race, Southland and New Zealand record. The previous Southland record of 2-43.7 was held by last year's Classic winner the ill-fated Aloka. The previous New Zealand record of 2-41.0 was recorded by Mitch Maguire in 2016.
"It helped early when the ones inside of us put the foot down and by the time we got to the mile the damage had been done. We were probably lucky we were out of the early burn."
Williams took A Bettor Act to the front with 1600 metres to run.
"Once we got to the front he was pretty happy just to roll along. He set a nice clip but I was surprised the overall time was that quick."
He held on easily to beat Memphis Tennessee by two and a half lengths.
"He's been a progressive type and each time he's gone to the races there's been a bit of merit in his runs."
And when asked about where the colt sits in regards to the Purdon/Rasmussen two year olds, Williams thinks he's right up there.
"With a bit of luck he could have won some of his last few starts. There's not much between those good ones. It might come down to barrier draws and who gets the better trip. He's not a Sales Series horse and that's why he was here today."
Today's juvenile feature carried Group Three status for the first time and it's stake level was equal to both the Supremacy and Oaks finals.
"It's a credit to the club for sticking with this race and bumping the stake up. Because he's not in the Sales Series and is targeting the Harness Jewels this was a good option for him."
Tim Williams talking to Jason Teaz, John Stiven (SBSR), Ged Mooar (Nevele R),
Nigel Fahy (Alabar) Ann and Ivan Behrnes, (Alabar) and Stacey Markham (Woodlands)
– Photo Bruce Stewart.
This year's Classic had ten runners in it – the most it's had in i'ts four year history.
Seven of the runners were from Southland and John Stiven from Southern Bred Southern Reared said it was great to see so many locals supporting the race.
"I'd like to particularly thank Ross Wilson who lined up three runners. It's great to get his support and that's what it's all about," he said.
A Bettor Act was bred and is owned by the A Few Good Men Syndicate. He's out of the Christian Cullen mare A Christian Act which was bred by Harness Racing New Zealand Board member Brian Wastney who was on-course today to appreciate the win with the rest of the HRNZ Board members.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing