He’s No Romeo among Williamson’s best chances at Southern Surge 2

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner 

Matthew Williamson is hoping to make up the difference on day two of the Southern Surge at Invercargill on Sunday. 

Day one at Winton last week was a case of close but not quite close enough for the Oamaru trainer, who racked up plenty of top-five finishes with his team.

With the move to Ascot Park and some key draw upgrades, Williamson is hopeful he can land some of the boosted winning stakes on offer during the series this week.

Judging by his Winton effort He’s No Romeo is in a position to do just that. 

The pacer raced wide throughout his Winton run after starting from a tough draw in barrier 13.

But on Sunday, He’s No Romeo faces a much different prospect from barrier 4 around the tighter-turning Invercargill track.

“His run at Winton was great, he didn’t get too many favours but he kept running on well.”

“From a better draw this week he would have to be a nice each way chance.”

“He has come through that last run quite well and we look to have a few options early, too.”

Mack Pack lands the same draw he ran third from at Winton last week in barrier 7.

The pacer burnt early before fighting on well to run third.

While no better off this week, he’s no worse off either.

“His run last week was good too, he seems to have lifted his game lately and got better with more racing.”

“He can get off the gate as he showed last week, so the draw shouldn’t be too much of a worry for him.”

“If he gets a bit of luck he should be a nice chance.”

Draws are not so much of an issue for Majic N The Port, who will attempt to break her maiden in Sunday’s opener.

What is much more crucial is her tyres staying pumped up.

“She got a flat tyre last week when she ran second, so it was a handy effort.”

“The manners will be the key to her, if she does everything right she’s probably as good of a chance as any in there.”

Landing the ace draw should only aid the chances of Sargent Best on Sunday.

The pacer got a long way off the pace at Winton, but should settle much handier this week.

“He has shown when he gets the right run in this grade he’s pretty competitive, so he would have to be a top 4 show.”

Flying Bird also gets the chance to land handy and boost her form for the Williamson stable on Sunday.

Mighty Miki is one pacer among the Williamson squad that swings to a tough draw in barrier 14, while Mr Cash Man meets a similar field to the one he ran fifth in at Winton last week. 

Cody Banner looks the best chance of Williamson’s three outside drives at Ascot Park. Though the trotter is fresh up against race-hardened opposition, he has faced tougher fields in the past.

To see Sunday’s fields click here 

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