Danny Williams pushes for 2015 Highway Handicap trifecta
TRAINER Danny Williams has targeted this Saturday’s Highway Handicap at Rosehill with three runners and he believes he can open his Highway Handicap account.
Goulburn-based Williams had already lined up six runners in the new racing initiative which sees country trainers coming to Sydney tracks to compete on Saturdays. Williams has three runners for the $40,000 race and he believes Ashjata gives him his best winning chance.
“She really is amazing me at present,” Williams said.
“Her biggest attribute is that when she’s entitled to feel the pinch in a race she just keeps coming. You don’t see that too often with horses.
“She pulled-up fantastic off her win last Sunday so the six day back-up holds no concerns.”
Ashjata finished second on October 31 in the Highway Handicap and bookmakers rate it a chance at $7 at Sportsbet.com.au.
“I’ve been stiff not to win one,” Williams said. “I’ve run second, third and had an unlucky fourth so I’m due to get one soon.”
Williams also lines up Axion ($11) and Van Halen ($17) and Williams thinks Van Halen could be the best bet of his three runners.
“Van Halen is potentially the best horse of the three so he offers value at $17,” Williams said.
“He is also on a six day back-up which isn’t ideal considering he’s second-up off a spell but the distance suits and he will be finishing off strongly.
“Axion is going to need all the breaks from a wide gate. I was hoping to draw well as he would benefit from a soft run out to the 1500m but there is plenty of pace drawn wide so with a bit of luck Blake (Spriggs) can slot in somewhere with cover.”
Highway Handicap market – Race 4 at Rosehill:
1. High Opinion – $5.50
2. Grand Proposal – $10
3. Van Halen – $17
4. Music Man – $21
5. King’s Officer – $26
6. Royal Jackpot – $14
7. Le Cavalier – $21
8. Ashjata – $6
9. Dashie De Luxe – $18
10. The Big Rig – $13
11. Duchess Molly – $17
12. Lion Of Africa – $34
13. Tommy Gun – $26
14. Shadow Affair – $15
15. Axion – $10
16. Eccitare – $15
17. Bank On Henry – $10