Racing: Luck big part in Oaks

Oamaru trainer-driver Phil Williamson is hoping for no bad luck with One Over Kenny in the $30,000 New Zealand Trotting Oaks at Addington tonight.

A second-row draw over the 1950m will make things slightly tricky for the promising Sundon filly.

She follows out Delcola, who has been suspect early in recent starts.

"If I can, I would like to get to the middle of the track and get out of trouble," Williamson said.

"But I hope I don't get too far away from the leaders, otherwise it will make it tough over 1950m."

Williamson said One Under Kenny's ability was not in question.

He thought so much of her as a stayer that he was keen to run her against the colts and geldings in the New Zealand Trotting Derby (2600m) at Addington on April 8.

"She has a lot of everything. More distance would be in her favour, but she can win the race on Saturday for sure," Williamson said.

"I'm scared of them all, especially Mark Purdon's Petite Sunset. I've been impressed with her efforts in the north."

Williamson, enjoying a stellar season with 21 wins already - 20 of them with trotters - has two other each-way trot chances tonight.

Jasmyn's Gift, a big improver through the grades this term, meets a small but smart line-up in the four wins and faster Newstalk ZB Trot.

Lord's Invasion, unbeaten in two starts to date, takes on Super Command and company in the Cromwell Lake Dunstan Mobile Trot.

Williamson said he was anticipating Jasmyn's Gift would make a better fist of starting than previously.

He said it would be a tough task for the inexperienced Lord's Invasion against the likes of last year's Australasian Breeders' Crown winner Super Command.

"He's a big guy already and might need a bit more time. If he beats the top 3-year-olds now, then they're in a lot of trouble because in two years time this horse will be much more mature."

- NZPA