Dark Horse has speed factor to upset on return
Classy trotter Dark Horse is set to show racegoers she has lost none of her speed at Ascot Park today.
The seven-year-old will contest her first race since the 2017 Dominion Handicap, when starting from a 50m handicap in the feature trot on Riverton Cup day.
While Invercargill trainerdriver Nathan Williamson has some concerns about his mare taking on such a big handicap after an lengthy injury break, he does not have to worry about whether Dark Horse still has the same zip is known for.
She showed that when holding her own with middle-grade pacers in a recent workout at Winton.
‘‘She has got great talent, there no question about that,’’ Williamson said.
‘‘She has obviously got a big motor, it has just been a matter of her holding together and getting the fitness into her.
‘‘It has been a long process, but hopefully everything is back on track now – she seems pretty good.’’
Despite her talent, punters are unlikely to flock to back Dark Horse ($2.40 fixed) as she faces a massive task from her big handicap over 2700m.
‘‘We are not expecting miracles, but we are hopeful she will go a competitive race.’’
Dark Horse will have Majestic Man ($2) and Monty Python beside her on the 50m back mark.
Majestic Man disappointed his backers when unable to reel in King Cassidy in his first run for the season at Gore last weekend.
The Phil Williamson-trained trotter should strip fitter for that run and looks the horse to beat.
His stablemate Monty Python faded in to fourth in the same Gore event.
Williamson starts Franco Santino in tomorrow’s Riverton Cup, which is shaping as arguable the race of the Southland season so far. The five-year-old drops dramatically in class after running sixth in the Hannon, behind four All Stars’ stable guns. ‘‘I am more than happy with how he went and how he has come through it.’’
‘‘We gave him a freshen up and he had a trial last week. His work has been good since, so I expect a good run.’’
Franco Santino ($3.80) meets a host of strong winning chances, including Norman Richards, Hayden’s Meddle, Paddyproudfoot and Robyns Playboy.
Williamson lines up a host of his chances today, including impressive first-up winner Pembrook Playboy ($2.50), who takes on Lawrence over 2200m.
Allaboutjoy ($7.50) looks a good winning chance if Williamson can negotiate a clear path from her second-row draw in race two.