Cracker Just That

Bruce Stewart Contributor

“It felt like track work to be fair, trainer driver Brad Williamson said after Cracker Hill easily won his sixth race at Ascot Park today. He’s just getting better and better with every run.”

The six length win was from the front without the ear plugs being pulled and the time was 0.6 off the New Zealand record of 2-43.0 held by Royal Aspirations.

“He’s just got a high cruising speed. If I’d have guessed the time I would have said three minutes for 2200 but we went a Southland record.”

The previous track and Southland record for three year olds was shortlived being recorded last Saturday by Ultimate Stride at 2-47.4.

Williamson made the most of the front line draw today, and headed straight to the top.

“When he draws the front line in a mobile he’s always pretty hard to beat because his gate speed is as good as any. Which makes it pretty easy.”

Brad Williamson and Cracker Hill wide out heading to the front

Down to the line for an easy win.

Once again consistent mare Crusher Collins which trailed the leader, had to make do with second placing.

Williamson says Cracker Hill takes everything in his stride and acts like an experienced race horse.

“As you can see he’s like a sensible campaigner and just wants to be a really good race horse. I think in twelve months time he will be.”

Some thought is now being given to an Australian campaign.

“Nothing is set in stone but I’ve made a few plans to head to Australia with him to Brent Lilley’s but it’s not confirmed yet. I’d like to get over and contest the Victoria Derby. He’ll have a wee freshen up and whether I race him again before I go to Australia or not, I’m not sure.”

Cracker Hill is owned by Gary Preston, Sue Preston, Wayne Morris, Mike Arnold, Ray Scott, Joan Scott, Jenny Rhodes and Lex Williams.

He’s by Muscle Hill out of the Majestic Son mare Juneamy Castleton which won four races for Canterbury trainer Mark Jones.

The family goes back to quality trotters Castleton’s Pride which won the 1975 Interdominion Trotters Final and ten other races, and 1983 Rowe Cup winner Sir Castleton which won forty four races. The breed was developed by Mawson MacPherson.

Juneamy Castleton is now owned by Brent Smith who lives in Otautau. The Love You yearling colt that Smith offered at this year’s sale was bought by Preston under All Things Harness Racing for $40,000.  Smith also has a Father Patrick weanling colt out of the mare.