Bletchingly Stakes outsider Charmed Harmony has Craig Williams equally as excited as his rides on five early favourites at Caulfield.
With a three-win lead in the Melbourne jockeys’ premiership heading into Saturday’s final metropolitan meeting of the season, Williams is confident he can extend his margin over Dwayne Dunn.
“It looks like I’ve got a good book of rides but Dwayne has some handy ones as well,” Williams said.
“His two-year-old looks like a rocket and he’ll probably have the favourite (Fast `N’ Rocking) in the Bletchingly as well.”
Williams went to Caulfield on Tuesday to have his first sit on Charmed Harmony ahead of the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes (1200m).
He says the gelding is a smooth ride with a fluent action and believes his Caulfield record gives him a good chance.
“He looks fantastic because he’s been lucky enough to winter up in Queensland, not like his poor jockey,” Williams said.
“I have chased him a lot of times in races and I’m very impressed with his running style.
“I love the way he competes, he’s tough and he’s always hard to run down.
“His record at Caulfield, and fresh, are quite good and because he’s a high-rated horse, the weight-for-age is not a disadvantage for him.”
At $19 in the Bletchingly, Charmed Harmony is the longest-priced of Williams’ rides.
Williams is upbeat about Bondeiger, the $2.90 favourite in the VOBIS Gold Stayers after admitting he rode a poor race when the the horses finished fifth at Caulfield on July 16.
“Luckily before the race they had confirmed me on him for this race and I’m looking forward to getting another ride on him,” he said.
“The step out in trip has got to be ideal and with the conditions of the race and a horse of his rating, I think he’s well treated.”
Sydney trainer Joe Pride has sent Kentucky Miss and Butterboom south and both are highly regarded in their respective races.
“I’ve had a really good association with Joe and his stable,” Williams said.
“They got in touch with me quite early for these races and they come in with really good form references.”
