Roxburgh co-trainer Jude Knight credited driver Matthew Williamson with producing a perfect drive to steer Vincennes to victory at Gore yesterday.
Vincennes kept her un-beaten record this season with husband and wife training partners Geoff and Jude Knight intact, with her two-length win over c2 rivals yesterday.
Vincennes led easily from barrier 7 before Williamson handed the lead to favourite Alta Jerome.
The Bettors Delight mare dashed through on the passing lane in the home straight to make it two starts for two wins for the Roxburgh trainers.
Jude Knight praised Williamson for a faultless display in the sulky.
''It really was the perfect drive,'' she said.
Vincennes' victory came as a surprise to Knight, but was a reflection of a newfound zest for racing the mare had gained, she said.
''She really wants to out there [racing]. She's always had the ability.''
The 5yr-old would spell for a month following her latest win, and would be aimed at intermediate grade mare races over summer, Knight said.
Matthew Williamson also scored wins in both trotting races yesterday.
Williamson steered Pyramid Magic to victory against maiden rivals for his father, Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson.
The Armbro Invasion gelding ''stepped the wheel'' of the leader to take control with 1000m to run and won comfortably, Williamson said.
''He's a nice trotter who just needs more time.''
Williamson also scored with Mr Mayfly in the c1-c5 trot.
Pulp Fiction made a winning return to racing to kick off his 3yr-old season for Northern Southland trainer Tony Stratford.
Stratford recently moved his training operation from Invercargill to Macca Lodge in Northern Southland, and is enjoying his new surroundings.
''I love it up here. I wish I had done it [moved] 10 years ago,'' he said.
The move has not only benefited Stratford, but had also helped Pulp Fiction.
Working among a bigger team of 30 horses at his new headquarters had improved the Art Major colt, he said.
The horse's main aim this campaign would be the New Zealand Sires Stakes series for 3yr-olds.
Macca Lodge recently announced it would be standing American stallion Net Ten Eom via frozen semen this breeding season.
The son of Somebeachsomewhere had received good interest from breeders since the announcement, stud manager Brent McIntyre said.
John Dunn, who drove Pulp Fiction to victory, also steered Whozideawasthis to his sixth consecutive victory at Gore yesterday.
The 5yr-old reeled off a 56.6 final 800m to score over pacemaker Run Fatboy Run, by half a length.
- Jonny Turner
