She hadn't raced for eleven month so it was a great training feat for Branxholme harness racing trainer Nathan Williamson to produce Shezacullengirl to win fresh up at Winton yesterday.
The well bred filly won on debut at Invercargill in April last year as a two year old and was then turned out.
"She was ready to race in October but she had tying up issues which put us back. We had to back off completely. She had a couple of weeks off and a couple of weeks just going in the pool at Ben's (Grinaldi Lodge) to try and build up the hind quarters which she must have damaged in the paddock, The muscle issues have settled down now and her trial leading into today was okay. We were hopeful more than confident," said Williamson.
In the Hydroflow Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace the daughter of Christian Cullen and Chloe Hanover was left parked early before getting cover halfway through the 1609 metre race.
"We were parked for a while but weren't doing any work or forcing the issue. Once she got a trial she travelled nicely. We got flushed out and had to make our run a wee bit early."
Shezacullengirl (6) beating Yankee Diva (4) by three quarters of a length – Photo Bruce Stewart
Shezcullengirl is owned by Malcolm Little and his wife Sandra of Cromwell and his uncle Murray Little. They bought her at the 2015 Sale of the Stars for $15,000 when she was at that time named Millwood Tiffany.
Malcolm Little, stable hand Oliver Kite, Sandra Little, Murray Little and Nathan Williamson
"I thought she might need a race or two being away from racing for that long but she's pulled up good and there's a nice race for her at the Northern Southland meeting" said Williamson.
The win is some compensation for Murray Little who recently due to injury, lost the service for the rest of the season for the talented Mach's Back. Also due to injury his American Ideal colt out of Suvarno Hanover was unable to make the sales.
Today's double win by Williamson puts him back on track to win another Southland training premiership. He now sits on ten wins for the season just one behind current leader Brett Gray.
Meanwhile Williamson is happy with the three purchases he made at last weeks yearling sales.
He paid $14,000 for a Dream Vacant filly out of Two Year Old Trotting Filly of the Year Kylie Ree
Williamson trained the mare's first foal She's Allthe Craze which won once in five starts. He actually bought Kylie Ree in September his year.
"It's a family I know and I looked at her on the off chance I might buy her. I really liked her and I'll syndicate her."
He also paid $27,000 at the Auckland sale to buy The Future. She's a Majestic Son filly out of seven win Gee Whiz II mare Cabaletta which has already left up and coming trotter Everybody Knows. The Future is from the same family as Allegro Agitato and Skyvalley.
To round out his spend he bought Arden Surf for $30,000 for a client.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing