Phil Williamson, who reached 500 training wins last Sunday, is on the march on Oamaru this Sunday to reach his main target, that number of wins with trotters.
Williamson has specialised in trotters and 481 of his wins have been with the square gaiters. That total is remarkable, considering he usually only has two race opportunities on a programme. He has been training for 24 seasons and amassed a record tally of 58 wins, all with trotters, for the season that concluded on July 31.
“It was nice to reach 500 and it would be even better if we can do it with trotters,’’ said Phil.
It is a family operation with his wife, Bev and sons, Matthew and Brad and Matthew’s partner, Charlotte Purvis in the team and earlier, son Nathan, now Southland-based and successful in his own right as a trainer and driver. Farrier Malcolm Oakes is a key member and Steve Allen has been with the stable four years.
Phil has The Silver Fox and Monty Python in race 5 and Sam Galleon in race 8 at the Oamaru meeting.
The Silver Fox was a fresh up winner at Oamaru on July 19 The gelding has since won at Addington. “He was disappointing at his last start but we are prepared the turn the page on that,’’ said Phil.
Monty Python, who has not raced since March, won at Invercargill (twice) and Addington last season. “I am happy with how forward he is and he always goes well fresh,” said Phil.
Monty Python is off 40m with The Silver Fox off 10m. They could find Ottawa a formidable opponent. Ottawa finished second to the talented Amaretto Sun at Addington last week following a powerful run for second to Arran Chief at Oamaru.
Sam Galleon finished a close third to My Amour at Oamaru on August 7. Sam Galleon had won his previous start fresh up at Forbury Park in July.
“He has to be a good chance,’’ said Phil.
Race rival All Settled Down, who was pulled up after leaving stride early at Addington on Thursday night will have a change of driver. Trainer Gavin Smith has opted to stand down and give the job to Kimberly Butt, who is driving Alison Stokke for his stable in the race for junior drivers. All Settled Down resumed after almost three years away from racing with a close second at Oamaru on August 7 and the Sundon mare won her next start by eight and a half lengths at Rangiora.
Allison Stokke ran second to Rummage at Addington at her last start and Rummage won again there on Thursday.
Taylor Strong