Racing: Little spring in worried horseman's step

Astute North Otago trainer Phil Williamson admits he has no idea why New Zealand's best trotter has become the greatest money muncher in New Zealand harness racing.

Williamson trains Springbank Richard, who looked headed for superstardom when he capped a wonderful spring winning the Dominion Handicap at Addington in November.

A disappointing Australian campaign followed and since his return home Springbank Richard in December has raced up to 15 lengths below his best.

Gone are his trademark long surges that sap the speed from his rivals, with Springbank Richard pathetic in last Friday's Trotting Championships at Addington, where he couldn't trot past a rival.

"He was dreadful," says Williamson.

"And I can't work out what is wrong with him.

"He trialled brilliantly 10 days before that race and his work at home has been outstanding.

"But to be honest, he hasn't gone a good race since the Dominion."

Williamson, who has trained such trotting stars as One Over Kenny and Allegro Agitato in recent years says the loss of form is a mystery.

"His blood reports have been perfect, in fact the vet says they couldn't be any better.

"But on race night he is just going terrible."

Williamson says he has little choice but to still bring Springbank Richard north for the May 7 Rowe Cup at Alexandra Park even though, in his present form, he will have no chance against Australian champion Sundon's Gift.

"What else do you do with him? He is a racehorse and that is his job.

"He has already had a small spell and we just have to hope he can turn the form around."

Springbank Richard will be accompanied north by stablemate Leighton Hest, who returned to racing with a regulation win at Invercargill on Saturday.

"When you work them at home one is a champion [Springbank Richard] and the other just a nice horse but they are racing the other way around."

With so many of New Zealand's best trotters injured or racing below their best Sundon's Gift will arrive in New Zealand a hot favourite for the Rowe Cup.

He has dominated an admittedly weak Australian crop of trotters this season but the New Zealand trotters don't look much better. Victorian trainer Chris Lang has confirmed to the Herald his stable star will fly into Auckland on April 25 and trial at Alexandra Park on April 27 before racing three nights later.

"I want him to trial and race in the lead-up race so he is as comfortable as he can be with the track by Rowe Cup night," said Lang.

"But he works both ways at home so I don't see it being a big problem for him."

Sundon's Gift will spearhead a star-studded Australian assault in the Rowe Cup meeting, with their two best 4-year-old pacers also coming.

Captain Joy and Bonavista Bay are expected to contest the Taylor Mile on April 30 and Messenger Stakes on May 7, with the option of staying for the Harness Jewels at Cambridge in June 5 should they win enough money to qualify.

In more Harness Jewels news, first markets on the great day will open next Wednesday.

The TAB will open markets on the 3 and 4-year-old divisions next Wednesday, while fixed odds betting on the 2-year-old divisions will open on May 5.

FORM LOSS
* Trainer Phil Williamson says Springbank Richard's shock form loss is a mystery.
* The Dominion Handicap winner is still coming north for the Rowe Cup.
* He will meet Aussie hero Sundon's Gift there.
* Two Australian pacing stars are also expected at the Alexandra Park meeting.