Springbank Eden holds a nomination for this season's Dominion Handicap and although he'd currently ranked 32nd in a hot lineup he began his campaign this season in the right style yesterday at Ascot Park.
Despite having not raced since March the Williamson camp were confident of a forward showing.
"He's been working pretty well. He's done most of his work with Alley Way this time in so when he (Alley Way) went so well fresh up at Addington it was a good form guide to today," said winning driver Brad Williamson.
The five year old Angus Hall gelding started from the 40 metres handicap and with 1500 metres to run he'd reached the lead, winning easily by two lengths from stable mate Pyramid Magic.
"We were of the opinion that he was well treated by the handicap. He's been nominated for the Dominion so we think a bit of him and in a race like today he got into it pretty well. He sweated up more than I expected today but that's probably a fresh up thing. Generally race day doesn't worry him at all but today he was a wee bit wound up but it's been a while since he's been to the races. I'm sure he'll be better for the run."
Springbank Eden has a very good record on this course with three of his nine wins coming on the circuit.
"He's a great front roller. He's one of those horse's that's pretty hard to catch when they get to the front."
Springbank Eden returning to the birdcage Photo by Bruce Stewart
The time of 3-28.0 for the 2700 metre stand was .2 of a second outside of The Fiery Ginga's track record of 3-27.8. It was a super time for this stage of the season and Williamson didn't have to pull the removable deafeners.
Springbank Eden first hit the headlines in 2013 when Alistair Smith bought him for $127,500 and he's been one of the steady improvers in the southern trotting ranks.
Winning connections and Springbank Eden Photo by Bruce Stewart
"He seems to have improved every year. He was a wee bit disappointing as a two year old because there was a bit of hype about him but in saying that he still won a maiden. He won two races at three and did a huge job last year (winning five of his ten starts). He's really developed and every time we've put him out for a spell he's come back improved."
So where to now?
"He'll probably go against some stronger opposition now that he's had his fresh up run. Dad didn't want to give him a hard run at Addington fresh up which is why we brought him here. Now that he's had that run we'll look for some harder races and see whether he's going to step up."
Meanwhile the Southland owned Alley Way, which also holds a nomination for the Dominion, should be seen back on the track again next week.
"Dad and Matt have been happy with him. All going well he'll race at Addington this coming week. Hopefully he performs as well. If he goes as good as he did last start we'll be happy with him."
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing