Matthew Williamson had a difficult choice to make this week - although it is a choice many drivers would love to have to make.
Williamson (23) has opted for the drive behind Jag's Invasion in tomorrow night's group 3 Canterbury Park Trotting Cup ahead of his regular steer behind Springbank Sam.
Williamson drove Springbank Sam in all but one of his 14 starts last year, but has established a good relationship with Jag's Invasion since the gelding's return from injury, winning all four starts.
''It's a good problem to have, but it's a very tough one, and I just went with Jag,'' Williamson said.
''The main reason is he's an Armbro Invasion and he seems to be an improving horse at the moment.
''He's got tons of speed and he's got a 10m head start which is another one of the reasons.''
Williamson's older brother, Nathan, will take the reins behind Springbank Sam - an arrangement which will continue through to New Zealand Cup week at least.
''They're very similar horses. They're both best sitting for one run and using their speed.''
Williamson feels the seven months away from the track as a result of a bone chip in a leg suited Jag's Invasion.
''It obviously got him over his niggles. That time off didn't do him any harm. Armbro Invasions always take some time, too.
''He's still lightly raced and that's why he's improving so much.''
Jag's Invasion and Springbank Sam make up two of four Otago-trained horses in with a chance in the 2600m feature. The others are The Fiery Ginga who resumes off a 10m handicap after a short break, and last-start Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup winner Jaccka Justy, who begins from the unruly on the 10m mark.
Williamson will also pair up with Maori Invasion in race 11. The 7yr-old has been away from the races since January 2012 because of his tendency to gallop.
''He's a good enough horse if he trots the whole way but he doesn't mind having a gallop.
''He's fit enough and ready enough if he wants to play the game.''
The half-brother to Irish Whisper won three of his nine starts as a 4yr-old but was not able to win in six starts as a 5yr-old.
''He's an Armbro Invasion, too, so Dad [Phil] gave him a bit of time. Hopefully, time heals all wounds.''
