Notable week for versatile horsewoman

Donna Williamson was highly likely to get a thrill from the racing week, without even lining up The Dominator, her trotting winner, at Forbury Park last night.

Among 40 mares currently residing at Williamson's Levels-based equine breeding property, Belmont Park, is broodmare gem Bethany, the dam of New Zealand Cup champion Lazarus.

Williamson, who is also a veterinarian, keeps a close watch over the mare and all of her progeny before they are ready to go through the sale ring or go on to training campaigns.

The broodmare gets plenty of special attention and shares a paddock with former classy race mare Hot Shoe Shuffle, she said.

"Hot Shoe Shuffle and Bethany have got their own paddock with their foals. They are not out in the mob with the rest of them.''

Bethany is in foal to Bettor's Delight, so the fact she is carrying a full sibling to Lazarus must only add to the significance of looking after her well.

Having such a close connection with Lazarus means Williamson gets a thrill out of watching the pacer tear up Australasian racetracks, she said.

Lazarus goes around as the shortest possible-priced favourite in tonight's Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park

After the opening race at the Forbury Park Trotting Club's meeting last night, The Dominator gave her reason to sport a beaming smile. The 3yr-old cruised to an easy victory in the hands of reinsman Rory McIlwrick.

Williamson plans to take a patient approach as he steps up in ratings following his maiden win.

"He is a nice horse. He has got to learn some of the ringcraft. He can have a couple of weeks off - he has done a good job.''

Tonight, Lazarus, a two-time sub-1.50 miler this season, is expected to roll to the lead, in front of his fast-beginning stablemate, Waikiki Beach, and win the Taylor Mile.

Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen's All Stars Stable also looks to have a great shot at the trifecta as Golden Goddess is expected to be handy as well in the five-horse contest.

Tonight's group 1 Anzac Cup for trotters is an entirely different ball game. The absence of two the country's best, Monbet and Speeding Spur, brings together a collection of up-and-comers.

The older brigade of Prime Power, Realmein, Bordeaux and last-start group 1 winner Eyre I Come meet a strong bunch of emerging 4yr-olds in Lemond, Temporale, High Gait and Wilma's Mate.

The $110,000 Caduceus Club 2yr-old fillies' classic also has a rare open look to it. Unbeaten filly Elle Mac has drawn wide and is having her first start right-handed. She has spent most of the week on the road travelling from her Rolleston stable.

"All of ours have travelled well and seem fine so she and the other fillies should go well,'' Purdon said.

"But you never really know how they will handle Alexandra Park first-up under race conditions and while Elle Mac might be the best of them, I am starting to think there isn't much between them all.''

The race also has depth with Lady Chatto, Bettor Joy and the well-drawn Caitlyn Clarke also lining up.

- By Jonny Turner. Additional reporting - Michael Guerin, NZME

 

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