The Will to win

Bruce Stewart Journalist

The Will (Speeding Spur) has taken a bit of working out, but after her win today at Ascot Park, trainer Matty Williamson reckons she’s heading in the right direction.

At the line, The Will had three quarters of a length advantage over Fir with a head back to third placegetter Shakedown.

“She felt pretty good, but she is one that you have your heart in your mouth. The real worry was easing her off a helmet. It was whether she was going to allow me to do it without doing anything (silly). But once she straightened up she did everything nice,” Williamson said.

She had twelve starts for Canterbury trainer Bruce Negus and a win at Ashburton, before she was shipped south to Williamson’s Oamaru barn.

“We had her early on as a late yearling or two year old and then Bruce took her back. He won a maiden race with her and she was looking quite progressive then. Then he was having a lot of trouble with her so he decided to send her back down.”

Prior to today’s win The Will had two trials for her new stable, breaking in both of them.

“We continued to make gear changes after each trial because she’s been letting the side down. Touch wood we might be on the right track now. We’ve put on an overcheck and under check to keep her head pretty still and the half hopples have been a big addition to her.”

The four year old is owned by Williamson’s wife Charlotte and Negus, who purchased her at the 2022 NZB Standardbred Weanling Sales at Karaka for just $2,000.

“She’s got a lot of speed and she’s got a good attitude. But it’s just about her working things out. She can go into a pace on you, but with Barry’s (farrier Barry White) good work it looks as though we’re on the right road. She’s also funny in the mouth and hates being restrained too much.”

The plan is for The Will to continue racing through the winter.

“Now that she’s shown enough manners to warrant putting the colours on, she’ll keep coming back. If the penny drops with her she has got a nice gait and a bit of speed.”