Trainer Matthew Williams admits the drive home to Warrnambool from Melbourne was going to be a lot easier after Harbour Views victory at Caulfield.
The performance came on top of Gailo Chop’s third behind Black Heart Bart in the Group One Underwood Stakes on Sunday, his second run back after a long lay-off.
The imported Harbour Views was sent off the $1.75 favourite under John Allen to take out the Bass Strait Beef Handicap (1400m), his first run since an unbeaten three run streak in his first campaign.
With racing suiting horses close to the speed, Williams did not want Harbour Views ridden any differently from his previous wins.
“He’s still a green horse mentally and we didn’t want to go and change his tactics by going and riding him forward today,” Williams said.
“It worked out perfectly as Johnny was able to let him slide up a bit closer earlier and he loves something to chase, so with that horse (Mr Exclusive) to run down in the last 100 metres, he really knuckled down.”
Williams said Harbour Views would head to Geelong for a heat of the country series on October 23 and if he finishes first or second the gelding will be eligible for the $500,000 Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final at Flemington on November 7.
“After Flemington if we’re still in fine form and happy, we’ll decide whether to go to the Ballarat Cup or to Perth for the Railway Stakes and the Kingston Town Classic,” he said.
A beaming Williams was delighted with the performance of Gailo Chop.
“I thought Gailo was terrific because he is still a run away and when he gets to 2000 metres, it’s a much better trip for him,” Williams said.
“He’ll be back here for the Caulfield Stakes in a fortnight’s time and he’ll be spot-on.”
