Always Dreaming the one to beat at Sunday’s Southern Surge

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner  

Theoretically Always Dreaming should be winning his Southern Surge Final at Gore on Sunday.

But with lucrative stakes up and an outstanding series about to culminate, theories can go out the window.

Always Dreaming is part of a powerful squad that trainer-driver Nathan Williamson lines up on a big day for southern harness racing.

The three-year-old beat the same field he faces from the same tough draw in his excellent Southern Surge heat win at Ascot Park a fortnight ago.

As the pacer was fresh up and his rivals had all had recent racing, Always Dreaming should strip fitter and prove even harder to beat in Race 10, the Macca Lodge Southern Surge Series Final Mobile Pace (5.18pm). 

While that appears to be the case, Williamson isn’t losing any respect for his opposition.

“His win was good and he seems to have trained on quite well since then,” Williamson said.

“It should be a pretty tactical race, it may not pan out quite like last time.”

“The money is up and everyone will be out there doing their best.”

“I am probably going to have to work him into it at some stage, however it works out I am pretty hopeful he will be a great chance.”

She’s Crunchy ($1.95) will attempt to keep her unbeaten record intact in her Southern Surge Final tilt (3.44pm).

The mare has been outstanding in both of her wins so far and she looks well poised from barrier 3.

“She’s come up with a nice draw and I think she has the speed to use it.”

“She’s a nice filly and if she can front up like she has in her first two starts, she should be a great chance.”

Clotilde Wainwright was an impressive heat winner downing key rival Tarragindi at Winton.

The mare’s task on Sunday is to do it again.

“She’s a lovely wee mare and her win at Winton was great.”

“Obviously Tarragindi is the horse to beat but if she gets away and does everything right she is more than capable of filling a hole.”

Williamson also starts Black Pat in another trotting final on Sunday.

The four-year-old made a mistake in her last start at Ascot Park, which she can’t afford to do again.

“It all depends on whether she can bring her manners.”

“If she was able to get it right, we would push forward, there doesn’t look to be any natural leaders there.”

“Over 2200m at Gore, that’s the place to be with the good ones off handicaps.”

Williamson also starts Rise Up N Dance in another of Sunday’s finals and Indulge Me in a two-year-old event.

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