By Jonny Turner
Tim Williams admits he doesn’t know what Miki Bennett will do when the tapes fly in the Placemakers Oamaru Cup (4.22pm) on Sunday.
The pacer comes into the 2600m handicap after botching his last standing start before producing a huge recovery to win.
That victory came down in the grades, and if Miki Bennett does it again he will face an almighty task to win.
But Williams is hopeful his charge can do things right because of one crucial factor.
“He is a quirky character and, to be honest, you never quite know what he might do.”
“But being one of only two horses off 20m on Sunday, with no horses behind him, he is going to get his chance to step away.”
“I would like to think he would be able to get it right, but I think everyone knows what he is like and what he can do if his brain isn’t in gear.”
While Miki Bennett may have a reputation for waywardness – which he has earned – Williams is sure the pacer is a much more refined product than he was in the past.
“I definitely think he has gotten better; he is good a lot more times than he is bad these days.”
“I think he is probably just one of those slower-maturing horses, and he is a lot more settled now.”
“He’s been going nice races from behind the mobile, and this looks quite a suitable grade for him.”
“If he can do things right, he would have to be a handy chance.”
Williams links up with another Stonewall Stud pacer on Sunday in Riptide, who has an exemplary record behind the tapes.
The pacer looks a big winning threat from his 10m handicap on the back of three second placings.
“He is just a lovely, genuine horse and obviously very consistent.”
“I’d like to think he would be able to go another lovely race on Sunday.”
Utah Blaze looks a serious winning threat at Oamaru, with his barrier 1 on the second row looking the only significant factor against him.
The pacer ran a respectable race in his latest outing when seventh behind star two-year-old Jumal in the recent $200,000 Harness Million.
“His sectionals were very good in the Harness Million, and dropping back into a maiden race, he is well placed.”
“He might need that little bit of luck, but if he gets it, he should be right there.”
Treasure Cove looks a serious threat for the Stonewall Stud stable despite making errors in his last start on grass.
The three-year-old has taken on much stronger company than he meets on Sunday.
Williams also links up with stablemates Spanish Princess and Silvester at Oamaru. Spanish Princess looks brilliantly placed as a race-winner taking on maidens.
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