The Nathan Williamson trained Bernie Winkle capped off a consistent formline by winning his third race at the harness racing meeting at Ascot Park on Sunday .
The stable expected the son of Rock N Roll Heaven to progress through the grades a bit quicker than he has but Williamson says he’s taken some time to get his head around the racing game.
"He's needed to figure out what's required. He showed a lot of ability at home, had a lot of high speed and he's just starting to show it at the end of his races now. He's also got a wee bit more race savvy because he knows what's expected," said Williamson.
After stepping nicely Williamson decided to take the gelding to the lead.
"He's generally a good beginner and I was happy to stay out of that early rush. He had to go a bit to get to the front but he’s got that sharp speed so you can do most things with him. We got an easy time in front which made a big difference."
Post win, local buying agent Geoff Gibson-Smith was on the scene and Williamson confirmed that Bernie Winkle is on the market.
"He's on the market and we'll just have to see whether they want to buy him. He's on the market so if he's not sold now he will be in the next few weeks."
He’s owned by Barry Dent, Robyn Jones and Ross Jones.
Later in the programme Bernie Winkle's half-brother Statham, despite missing some work during the week, proved too classy when winning the ILT Foundation Summer Cup.
He led early before handing up to Regal Ideal. He came home late on the inside to get up by a head beating Devil May Care. The last half was cut out in 54.9.
Williamson won last year’s edition of the Summer Cup on the Austin Stack trained Sheeza Shark in race record time of 3-21.3.
The Southland driver was in Christchurch on Friday night driving the Brent Shirley trained Costa Del Magnifico to win the Alabar Super Series Handicap beating Seel The Deal by half a length.
The 2600 metre event was run in 3-18.6. with the last 800 in 55.5 and 400 metres in 26.7.
"Yep great win. He's a lovely big horse and I'm looking forward to the future with him. He's got a lot more speed now because I think his gait has got a lot better. He's also got stronger and showing more and more speed. He got home in 26.7 the other night at the end of a race. A season ago it would be been 28."
Williamson has driven the Mach Three entire for most of his wins.
"He's probably going through the grades quicker than my horse (Tas Man Bromac) at this stage so maybe if his racing's in Canterbury in the near future I'll be able to stick with him right through."
Bruce Stewart – Southland Harness Racing – Check site here