Racing: Williams on form runners

Kylie Williams.
Kylie Williams.
It might be a bit early for an All Blacks-related omen bet, but Alice Webb Ellis is at the top of Kylie Williams' list to return some winning percentages at Ashburton tomorrow.

The Murray Tapper-trained mare is one of four decent chances for the Canterbury jockey at the meeting.

Second placings in the mare's last two starts have Williams opting for the 6yr-old as her best chance for the day.

''On the way she's been going, I'll have to go Alice Webb Ellis but they're all each-way chances,'' she said.

A crucial factor for Alice Webb Ellis is her return to the 1200m for tomorrow's rating 75 assignment.

She tried hard at the same track on August 28, but went down to Diamond Edge by half a head after leading up.

''She got it easy enough in front but it's always a bit hard when you're leading the rest of the pack up,'' she said.

''There are a couple like Maia's Angel that go forward, so, hopefully, I can just get a sit in behind and she might be the one that comes over the top of them.''

The big threat will be Rivertaine Coup, who has drawn two spots inside Alice Webb Ellis, but Williams thinks race fitness will give her mare the edge on others in the field.

''She's probably a bit fitter than some of the other ones who are having a fresh-up run so, hopefully, I don't get stuck in amongst all of that.''

Pepper Mill (race 8) was a runner-up at his last start, too, but Williams thinks that was best for his future career.

The son of Patapan kept grinding in his first go in the rating 65 grade at Riccarton in early August, finishing just behind Golden Bay.

''It would have been nice to win, but in saying that, he probably wasn't ready to step up to the next grade either.

''On ability, he should win - as long as he does everything right would be the question.''

Williams expects the 5yr-old to settle in the first half of the field from barrier six.

''You tend to need to be thereabouts at Ashburton, otherwise if you get back and you try and improve, you just get flushed wider and wider. If he jumps out and puts himself about third or fourth that will be a nice trip for him.''

The speed maps suggest Williams and Jack's Run should get a nice run behind Dr Dee Bee in the 1400m open handicap.

Jack' Run was checked when running fifth behind Scapolo during National week.

''It's supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow, so that will play in his favour.

''The stablemate will lead so I should just get a nice trip in behind and he'll go close.''

Williams starts her day in race 2 with High Commissioner, who is a strong show in a 2100m maiden after a second over the same distance two weeks ago.

''If you go on last-start form at Ashburton, he would have to be one of the better chances.''

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