In-form Williams continues great trot down south

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner

Tim Williams is letting the good times roll.

The reinsman continued his wave of winter and spring success when guiding Ya Rite Darl to the easiest of victories in Thursday’s Aldebaran Zeus Southern Trotting Oaks at Ascot Park. 

Williams hadn’t driven the talented three-year-old since her fourth placing in the Group 1 Northern Trotting Derby in April.

And last week the prospect of filling in for the filly’s regular driver John Dunn wasn’t on his radar.

But the opportunity came along as the Stonewall Stud reinsman continues an outstanding run in the sulky, having recently ticked over 100 wins for the year, which have come at a career-best strike rate.

So when he was paired up with such a smart filly, the result was straightforward.

“We’ve had such a great run with the stable (Stonewall Stud), you just try to make the most of it and keep the momentum going.”

“This filly was very professional today, I haven’t driven her for a while and I could tell the difference in her manners.”

“She’s very tractable; when she found the lead she didn’t overtax herself, and from there she was always going to be hard to beat.”

“She got a bit lonely that last 100 metres or so – she was doing it pretty easy.”

Williams got the easiest of steers behind Ya Rite Darl.

He only had to hold out an early dig from Dash Dosh and Blair Orange at the 1400m before his filly went on to win untouched.

The reinsman went on to register his 102nd win of 2025 when Rock Or Bust scored for Stonewall Stud’s 138th training win of the year. 

“He’s just a lovely horse, he’s great to drive and great to have in the barn.”

“Every time he goes out there he tries best for you.”

“He will stay down south and we’ll try to pick up a junior driver’s win with him.”

Bringing up a winning double took Williams into the nervous nineties, as he now sits on 990 career wins in New Zealand.

With big books of drives at Addington and Motukarara this weekend and his brilliant recent form, joining the 1000-win club could come at short notice.

Williams has driven a total of 998 winners, notching eight wins in Australia, including the Group 1 New South Wales Oaks with Piccadilly Princess.

View the full article