KEY POINTS:
Nathan Williamson should take at least one step closer to one of his goals for the new season at Forbury Park today.
The 19-year-old was the sensation among New Zealand's junior drivers last term, finishing second in the junior premiership and winning a host of major races.
While that level of success will be hard to repeat, Williamson said he had two separate goals.
"The most important thing is to win big races, nothing gives you a buzz like that and it is also the biggest thrill for the owners," he said.
"I am lucky that dad [Phil] has so many good horses so I would love to pick up another couple of wins like the one I got with Springbank Richard last season."
Williamson joined forces with that previously unheralded trotter and drove him to victory in the Harness Jewels and then the Victoria Trotting Derby.
"He is still spelling and his main aim will be the Harness Jewels again next winter." Williamson's other long-term goal for the season is to win the junior drivers premiership and he said the task was made easier by leading former young drivers Gavin Smith, John Dunn and Jonny Cox all graduating to the open ranks.
"There are still plenty of good young drivers out there though so it will take some work." That work will include driving Chas Luney, one of the leading chances in a leg of the $150,000 Pick6, when the Forbury Park season kicks off today.
"He has gone some great races for us over the winter but his two recent wins means he goes back a fair way in the handicaps here. But he will still be hard to beat."
- NZPA
