Setback for Cracker Hill

[Wandering Eyes]

By Michael Guerin

This is not the type of phone call you want to get when you are in quarantine.

It is not the type of phone call any trainer wants to get any time but Brad Williamson knows it could be a lot worse.

Williamson is in quarantine after his potentially career-changing trip to Australia where he drove not only his first group one winner but also his second and third behind Majestic Man.

But as much as he loves Majestic Man, Williamson’s own stable star is Cracker Hill, who was slated to resume at Wyndham on Thursday but has now been scratched.

“I got the call on Tuesday morning to say he had worked super but pulled up a bit scratchy,” says Williamson.

“We had him vet checked and he seems fine so Dad (Phil) thinks he might have over-reached in track work.

“But it is frustrating. It is hard enough being in quarantine because I’d rather be home working horses but especially when something goes wrong with your best one.”

The slight setback means not only will Cracker Hill miss Thursday but also the NZ Trotting Champs at Addington on Friday week and that raises another problem for Williamson, the sort of problems you get to mull over when you are stuck in a hotel for two weeks.

“His main aim now in the Jewels, I think I will let him miss the two Auckland races (Anzac and Rowe Cups)

“But he is slipping down the order for the Jewels now because his second in the Sales Series back in October doesn’t count toward the Jewels.

“So I was sort of hoping to win this week and run top four at Addington next week to seal his place in the Jewels.

“So once he is back to full health I will have to find him a race somewhere to try and win enough money to guarantee his Jewels spot.

“That is the main aim for him now. I think with his gate speed if he can get a good draw and lead in the Jewels he can win it so that is the big goal.”

Williamson is also thinking about what Majestic Man could achieve should he win the Anzac or Rowe Cup at the Auckland carnival.

“One of the owners rang me this week and asked if Majestic Man won those races could he be in line for trotter of the year?

“I know Sundees Son will be the favourite for that but if we win in Auckland…”

The things you think about in quarantine.

If you want to debate it give Williamson a call. He has another week of being bored.

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