A quick change of tactics paid winning dividends for Sonofamistry as he ran to a front-running victory in the group 2 Kindergarten Stakes at Wyndham yesterday.
Driver Tim Williams produced a brilliant front-running drive as his 2-year-old lived up to his big reputation in New Zealand’s first group event of the year for 2-year-old male pacers.
While Williams brilliantly controlled the speed in front, it was not planned for the combination to be in the lead throughout.
"Our plan before he went out was to hand up to the favourite but he never sort of came," co-trainer Amanda Telfer said.
"So, Tim drove him pretty good, he knows the horse inside out and he’s done a great job."
Williams admitted he was surprised there was not more early pressure in the Kindergarten Stakes.
And once his horse found a comfortable early lead, he knew Sonofamistry would take plenty of catching.
"It just surprised me how good he held his spot early and he was able to roll at a steady clip," Williams said.
"He was really comfortable once he got into a good routine around the first bend, so once we were able to get that first piece pretty cheap, I thought he was going to have his chance anyway."
The initial plan to take a trail in the Kindergarten Stakes was meant to play to Sonofamistry’s best asset, his high speed.
That is something that is sure to be on show for harness racing fans sometime in the future.
"He’s got a high speed, so that’s going to stand him in good stead going forward," Williams said.
"Obviously it’s a good string of his bow to be able to lead over a mile [1609m] today."
"But he does have that really quick speed, he’s an exciting horse."
Stonewall Stud and trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer enjoyed a great Kindergarten Stakes Day, also producing both Treasure Cove and Rock Or Bust to score.
Ruby Roe ran to an emotionally charged victory in the inaugural running of the group 3 Wyndham Champagne Stakes yesterday.
The mare won following the recent death of Roger Price, the father and father-in-law of owners John and Katrina Price.
Roger Price enjoyed outstanding success in harness racing as a breeder, owner and trainer.
He trained winners both individually and in partnership with Katrina.
The pair produced Looksaflyer to win the group 2 Southern Supremacy Stakes in 2006.
Trainer-driver Nathan Williamson wore the Price family colours which Roger used during his training career when winning with Ruby Roe.
