Craig Williams has tried to downplay his concerns over Magic Consol’s wide draw in the race named after his late cousin at Moonee Valley.
A last-start winner at Moonee Valley on June 3, Magic Consol has drawn the widest gate in Saturday’s Travis Harrison Cup.
“I’ve got Travis on my side so I’ll be fine,” Williams said.
“It’s a great privilege to be a part of this race and it’s fantastic Moonee Valley has continued the tradition and has shown so much respect for the family.
“The Harrison name has been around in racing for generations so to keep remembering Travis and continue his legacy is great.”
Harrison died in a car accident in his way home to Cranbourne after birthday celebrations for a fellow apprentice in May 1996.
Williams and Harrison were close growing up and Williams credits Harrison with getting him to become a jockey.
As he chases a sixth Melbourne jockeys’ premiership, Williams says victory in the Travis Harrison Cup would be extra special.
Williams is not going to let a head cold that has been bothering him for the past four weeks affect his determination for the title in which he’s currently tied with apprentice Beau Mertens.
“Beau Mertens is really making me press hard and I’ve been really fortunate I’ve been getting a lot of good rides from trainers and connections and the horses have been running well,” Williams said.
Williams says he will ride at the remaining 12 metropolitan meetings in Melbourne before taking a break.
He was intending a family vacation to the Ukraine to visit his wife’s family at season’s end in July, but has been unable to get visas for the trip.
Williams says if Magic Consol can bring the same form to Moonee Valley as he did two weeks ago then the gelding will go close, but admits he will need some luck from the barrier.
