Tough test for Sadie, but class may carry her through

[Wandering Eyes]

by Michael Guerin

Trainer Matty Williamson admits tonight’s Ricoh Canterbury Silk Road Final isn’t the perfect race for Princess Sadie.

But he says that doesn’t mean the speedy four-year-old can’t still win it.

Williamson trains and drives the five-win mare who has been one of the best of her age at two and three.

She now faces taking on older horses at every start and often, like tonight, that also means stepping up in distance.

“She is a real speed mare so the 2600m handicap probably isn’t ideal for her,” says Williamsom.

“But it is the best race for her at this stage of the season so we will deal with that.

“When she won over 2400m two starts ago she rated 2:2 so she is strengthening up and while she was beaten last start that wasn’t her best.

“So I think she will go better again this week.”

Princess Sadie led and was divebombed by I Dream Of Jeannie last start although the winner, who is now with Robert and Jenna Dunn, goes back a further 10m for that victory.

“She is a good trotting mare I Dream Of Jeannie so she will be hard to beat but I think our mare will improve too,” says Williamson.

“But yes, longer term I am looking forward to getting her back to some mobile sprint races which I think will suit her and I think she can work her way through to the verge of open class.”

Williamson, who is on 1272 career driving wins, will partner Got You Covered in the main pace and he liked the performance of the now Kevin Fairburn-trained pacer when third here last Friday.

“He can win a race again soon for sure. I am not saying it will be this week because it is a handy little field but I thought he we went well.”

Earlier in the night stable rep Florence The Machine (R2, No 9) has copped a bad draw in her mobile trot and her manners come sometimes let her down and she meets some handy enough types.

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