Racing: Seachange facing a formidable test

Rick Williams says he's excited.

Most horse people are nervous about taking on Darci Brahma and Kristov in the $200,000 Mudgway Stakes at Hastings, but Williams, as manager, can't wait to get to Hastings with Seachange tomorrow.

Williams believes Cambridge trainer Ralph Manning has done a superb job in preparing last season's unbeaten 3-year-old filly for the group one test.

Even Seachange tasting defeat for the first time when third behind Bulginbaah in the weight-for-age Foxbridge Plate last start has done nothing to alter Williams' opinion of the filly he manages for Queensland's Dick Karreman.

"We've had no hiccups this preparation, which is always important," said Williams. "We knew a long time ago we'd need two races going into this one, and I'm pleased we've had them - this is probably going to be a gut-buster.

"The key is that for the first time this preparation we'll be racing on a firm track.

"She's been looking for the top of the ground all the way through."

On unsuitable slow footing, Seachange managed to hold on for a narrow win at Te Rapa on July 29 and it was clear in the Foxbridge Plate she was struggling with similar conditions.

"I watched her gallop this morning at Cambridge and came away impressed.

"Last season Ralph used Ben Ropiha to work her and he put Ben on this morning.

"At the finish of a fast gallop Seachange was working nicely alongside Rags To Riches, carrying about 10kg more."

Williams is a big Kristov man.

"I still believe he's the benchmark. I was at the Taupo trials and Darci Brahma looked to be travelling well on Kristov's flank near the finish and looked like he could have run past, but it's one thing to get to Kristov and another to get past him.

"We haven't had a trial or a race against Kristov or Darci Brahma so we don't know where we are.

"Saturday is going to tell a lot of stories and we're going to know a lot more on Saturday night.

"We're delighted to be lining up - I'm excited."

There is a strong chance Seachange will contest all three legs of the Hastings spring treble and therefore Williams believes there will be further improvement in the mare from the Mudgway.

"Sure, she'll get fitter with this race, but it's not going to affect her chances this time because it's different on a firmer surface.

"Ralph has got her fitter this time than she's been."

Williams hopes Darci Brahma wins if Seachange is beaten because Dick Karreman and his Cambridge stud, The Oaks, holds a share in the stallion.

"I suppose we should be hoping Darci wins because ultimately Darci will probably earn the stud more than Seachange."