The Brett Gray-trained squaregaiter dashed along the passing lane to beat a handy field and score his fifth win in 13 starts. The victory proved to Gray Smokey Mac was back to his best after an indifferent performance at Roxburgh earlier this month.
"The last 10 days I was really pleased with him — he has really come on."
After the win Gray said the horse would continue to charge through the trotting grades.
"He is a machine — he can do it. He is getting more settled. He has always had the ability but he just takes a bit of work."
Smokey Mac has gone on from his 3yr-old season, which could best be described as a learning experience, to post four wins in just seven starts this term. He is now at the forefront of the early reckoning for this year’s Harness Jewels.
Smokey Mac sits third in the qualifying rankings for 4yr-old trotters behind BD Khaosan and War Machine — a rival he beat on Saturday. Smokey Mac held out a big finish from Alderbeck and denied her driver, Brad Williamson, another win on what was a big day for the Oamaru trainer-driver.
Williamson produced half his stable to win.
Jeddy R Ya Ready and Hot Off The Press both won in the rookie trainer’s colours.
Jeddy R Ya Ready burst out of the one-one and produced a big finish to win race 3 after an inch-perfect drive by his trainer.
Hot Off The Press produced a bold front-running win with Williamson in the sulky in race 11.
The victories were a huge boost for stable and Williamson hoped the successes on one of Southland’s biggest racedays would mean potential owners would take notice. He was working at forming several syndicates so he could offer a range of ownership options, he said.
- Jonny Turner
