Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams is convinced promising import Harbour Views can improve again in his second attempt over a middle distance before he is put away with the spring in mind.
Harbour Views raced to a convincing 2-1/4length win over 2040m at The Valley on June 13 in his first try beyond 1600m and the gelding is a key entry in Saturday’s 2000m handicap at Caulfield which has attracted 32 nominations.
Harbour Views’ connections decided after his last start it would be wise to press on for one more winter start on Saturday to try to increase his rating to ensure he gets into the Feehan Stakes in September after a let-up.
The winner of the Group Two Feehan (1600m) at The Valley earns a Cox Plate ballot exemption.
“He’s in terrific order so I couldn’t be happier with where he’s at,” Williams said on Monday.
“He was first time to 2000 metres at The Valley so I think he definitely can improve off that run again.
“For mine at The Valley he was just having a bit of a look there the last 100 to 200 metres so I think there’s still improvement to come out of him with the benefit of experience over that sort of distance.
“I certainly have only gained confidence off that run that he can go on his winning way. Hopefully he draws a gate on Saturday and can get a nice run like he did last start and I can see no reason why he couldn’t be winning again.”
Harbour Views has won six of his nine career starts and jockey John Allen is booked to continue his association with the gelding on Saturday.
“He’ll have a gallop at Warrnambool tomorrow morning on the course proper and then he’ll do a bit of beach work for the rest of the week,” Williams said.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained stablemates Salsamor and Sully have been nominated for both the Caulfield race and Saturday’s Listed WJ McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill in Sydney, as has the Kris Lees-trained Mongolian Wolf.
