Youth to the fore for Rae-Williams stable at Riccarton
In anticipation of Saturday’s Riccarton meeting, the training duo of Kenny Rae and Krystal Williams, based at their new Burnham stable, are set to unveil a formidable lineup of young talents. Eight horses will represent their stable.
“We have a heap of good young stock at the moment. We’re looking forward to stepping them out on Saturday,” said Krystal Williams.
Among their notable entries are Bezique and Illicit Dreams in the Rangiora New World Guineas Trial (1400m).
While Bezique, a Ace High gelding, is confirmed to run, Illicit Dreams’ participation is contingent on the track conditions.
“With Illicit Dreams, starting her will depend on how much more rain we get. It was pretty wet last night but the sun’s out now so hopefully that will help the track,” explained Williams.
Discussing Bezique’s adjustment to racing left-handed, Williams expressed confidence.
“He’s pretty hard just going about his work. He’s really bright, and he’ll be a good chance.”
Illicit Dreams, despite grappling with oral issues, has shown improvement in form.
“She’s had a few problems with her teeth, and we’ve taken care to get on top of that. Since we’ve been on top of that, her form has really improved.”
Looking ahead to the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m), whether Illicit Dreams races this weekend or not, her lead-up will include the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes at Ashburton on October 14.
The stable also presents two-year-olds in the Nobby Bussell Memorial (800m), featuring Redemption, Collective Hearts, Super Rosa, and Porthouse Lady.
“They’re hard to assess, but I’d say Super Rosa and Collective Hearts look the best of the four. They are two really mature fillies,” said Williams.
Dancing Dream, a Contributer filly, drops back to maiden company, aiming for a confidence boost.
“She’s not very big, but she’s tough, and we’ll try and get her a confidence boost on Saturday,” Williams explained.
In the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile Trial (1400m), Reliable Man seven-year-old The Buffer, with stable apprentice Danika Wilson claiming a 4kg allowance, seeks a better result.
Williams expressed hope, stating, “He steps up to 1400m, and the track should suit him a lot better, so we’re hopeful of a better result.”