By Jonny Turner
Punters shouldn’t be alarmed if they see Matthew Williamson in an unfamiliar spot at Winton on Thursday.
The reinsman will reunite with Always Be Batman who could sit well off the pace when he starts from barrier 12 in his first start following a brief freshener.
Known as one of the best front-running drivers going around, it could be considered a bit odd to see Williamson well back on a warm favourite though if it does pan out that way there shouldn’t be cause for concern.
“I drove him earlier in the year in the Supremacy heats and it is probably fair to say he is the class horse of the field,” Williamson said.
“Even if he gets back from the draw, I would think he has the ability to round up a field like that.”
“Over 2400m we should have the time to work into it at some stage, if we do end up settling a fair way back.”
“He’s got a good turn of foot which is a big help.”
He is a $3 favourite for the Book A Marquee for WDC25 Mobile Pace at 4.23pm.
Williamson’s last two drives at Winton are for the Jeremy Douglas stable, starting off with last-start runner-up Magic Sign.
“His last start was good and he’s drawn the same spot.”
“He is a horse that has punched above his weight at times and he is very honest.”
“He would have to be a top four chance.”
Williamson also links up with two more outside drives at Winton in November Nine and Hacksaw Ridge.
“November Nine improved from her first start to win her second, she is definitely not the worst.”
“Hacksaw Ridge never gives it away, his first-up run was good and even though he probably won’t be one of the favoured runners he’s a handy chance.”
Williamson takes two of his own team south to Winton in Granny Rose and Sargent Best.
Granny Rose steps up in grade after producing strong overall form in Canterbury.
“It is a harder grade for him but of the horses off the front and 10m, he would be one of the better chances.”
“He’s got great manners and I think he can go a handy race.”
Sargent Best has been largely luckless in his last two starts, but that could change from barrier 4 on Thursday.
“Looking at the field you’d think he would be a great chance if he was in the mood.”
“But it depends which version of him turns up.”
