Williamson opts for Tas Man Bromac

Nathan Williamson.
Nathan Williamson.
The length of time it took Nathan Williamson to decide on his Southern Supremacy drive tells you a lot about the chances of Statham and Tas Man Bromac tomorrow.

Williamson was still figuring it out when the Otago Daily Times talked to the Southland trainer-driver earlier this week, as he assessed the two pacers' chances in the group 2 3yr-old feature at Ascot Park.

Williamson eventually opted for Tas Man Bromac, but it was obvious the decision - whichever way it went - was not easy.

''Look, the better chance is Tas Man Bromac - on paper, and he's been there, done that,'' he said.

''He's more race-hardened and he's a wee professional. He's going to run you a good race - the other fella has got the ability to really test, but he's got to put it all together on the day.

''But I couldn't be surprised if Statham beat `Tas' home, although it's more likely the other way.''

Statham's original target was the Autumn Futurity in late March, but his victory over a smart field including Rocker Band and Bonnie's Khaleesi convinced Williamson to march on towards the group 2 race.

''The Futurity was what I was setting him for and he managed to take that out,'' he said.

''He beat Rocker Band and she's going to be favourite for the [Southland] Oaks. And he did it the hard way - she had a lovely trip and he did all the work. I was pleased with the way he handled that.''

Tas Man Bromac, on the other hand, has won seven of his 11 starts, including his last three, culminating in a powerful win on March 29 over tomorrow's major threat, Pulp Fiction.

''He's a grand wee stayer. The 2700m is going to suit him right down to the ground,'' he said.

''When the chips are down, he stands up a bit.

''I think Pulp Fiction is devastating when he's held up for one run, but doing a wee bit of work like he had to the other day, he was a bit of a sitting duck for us. But [Pulp Fiction] is an extremely good horse and he'll take a lot of beating.''

Statham will start from barrier 3 and Tas Man Bromac from 6. Pulp Fiction goes from 2 on the second line.

''The 2700m mobile takes the draw out a little bit, but we've fared OK,'' Williamson said.

''Statham has got a nice enough draw he can stay handy with. Tas Man has drawn out a wee bit wider, but it could always be worse.''

Williamson opted for Poppymalda over Grey Power in the feature trot, while he feels Sue Me (race 5) can show her best.

''I've always said she's underrated and she's yet to stand up a wee bit, but I think she's ready to go now and she'll be pretty tough.''

Add a Comment