Williamson has final race tactics sorted

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Brad Williamson has a clear idea in his head ahead of tomorrow night’s $150,000 Inter Dominion Trotting Grand Final at Alexandra Park.

Williamson drives secondfavourite Majestic Man for his father, Phil, and they face a rather daunting task trying to beat the even-money pop Winterfell, and Mark Purdon.

‘‘Just at the moment, Winterfell appears to be in the zone and I don’t think any trotter could sit outside him and beat him,’’ Williamson says.

With that statement he’s justifying what was a meritorious effort by Majestic Man to run third after sitting parked outside Winterfell in a New Zealand record in the final heat last Friday night.

This week is a different though – both horses are drawn well and Williamson fancies his chances of finding the markers first. But it’s not as much of a formality as many might think.

‘‘It’s a tricky one because obviously Majestic Man has super gate speed, but Winterfell is also a lot quicker than people realise.

‘‘I had trouble crossing him in the Northern Derby and I wasn’t able to get across him when we were drawn side by side in another race.

‘‘That being said, Majestic Man is in the zone and the markers are the place to be so I have to get there.’’

Williamson confirmed his father had given him a clear directive accordingly.

‘‘Dad mentioned to me that he does want me to cross and, realistically, looking at the race, that’s the only way I could see us winning.’’

But the lead isn’t something Williamson wants, either. In fact, he wants the trail.

‘‘I don’t think he’ll be able to lead and win in this race.’’