Trainer Phil Williamson knew today that if Davey Mac had his mind on the job at Ascot Park he’d be hard to beat.
Williamson had openly stated that quality trotter Majestic Man whom he also trains would be the hardest to beat but the start would perhaps be an issue for him, and that’s the way the race panned out.
“Once we got round the first bend and he started to trot solid I knew then that they’d have to come and get him. Wee Majestic Man missed the start so he’s probably gone massive,” he said.
Once in front Williamson put the handlebars down and it was all about ‘catch me if you can.’
“He’s always had ability but he’s been decidedly disappointing in some of his races because he hasn’t gone as good as he can do at home or at the trials. But today he got cracking a bit. Actually I couldn’t pull him up so that’s a good sign.”
The winning margin was five and a half lengths with Williamson sitting quietly on the gelding. Majestic Man came a gallant second.
“I didn’t want to put too much pressure on him at the end of the race because if you go into a gallop right at the end you think ‘what did you do that for?”
Back to the birdcage – Photo Bruce Stewart
Last season was Davy Mac’s first, and he went with a big rap. But after winning his first start as a five year old his form dropped away.
“He was a whole lot more on the pulse today. He wanted to race a lot more than he did when he won his first race here. You’d have to say he’s come a wee way but there’s plenty of room for him to come a lot further. He’s got the ability of a good horse but he’s probably going to be one of those horses that’s going to be a work in progress.”
He’s owned by Williamson’s wife Bev who bred the Sundon six year old out of her Britewell mare Little Contessa – making him a full brother to Irish Whisper, the winner of eleven races and Heard The Whisper, which won seven.
“He’s a nervy Sundon and he wants to go out and run his first half in a quick time.”
Williamson says he’s going to have to manage the gelding’s programme carefully so he reaches his full potential.
“I’m going to space his races because he puts a lot in (to racing) and he takes a lot out of himself.”
Phil’s win on Davey Mac was one of five driving wins by the Williamson family on the day.
Meanwhile former Invercargill Cup winner Vi Et Animo made a surprise visit to his favourite track today as the mount for Clerk of the Course Sally McKay.
He was on the fresh side and certainly put McKay’s arms to the test.
Bruce Stewart