Ockham's Razor makes the trip to New Zealand worthwhile by winning the the Karaka Million at Ellerslie yesterday. Photo / Getty Images
Craig Williams could easily have kidded us all that his winning ride on Ockham's Razor was beautifully planned.
But he wouldn't know how to tell an untruth.
Mr "Let's Do The Homework" was not following the script when he was guiding the dour Australian juvenile from near enough to last on the home bend after a slow beginning.
"No, we wanted to be a fair bit handier than that," said Williams.
"But the one priority after that start was to make sure he had cover.
"We had cover off and on."
As much as Williams and his manager Mark Guest do more homework than any other jockey/manager team in the business, Williams had the words of Anthony and Lee Freedman ringing in his ears.
"Anthony and Lee told me to trust the horse.
"They said to keep it simple and not to do anything cute."
Williams certainly trusted the horse - he trusted him to run past just about every runner out in the centre of the track.
If sire Any Suggestions was all about speed and perhaps suspect of lasting a really tough 1200m, this son of his will never be accused of that.
Determination underpinned every stride of the home straight from the winner.
Williams is no stranger to big-race wins, but was clearly taken with the horse.
"I'd like to thank Ockham's Razor for putting in 110 per cent when on his wrong leg," said Williams at the presentation.
Lee Freedman is similarly accustomed to receiving plaudits after major races - either 124 or 125 group one victories - but this time his delight was for brother Anthony.
Lee Freedman passed over the helm at the Freedman enterprise to his brother last year and the result is a dual benefit - Lee seems much more relaxed and Anthony is getting a huge thrill from producing big winners.
"I'm absolutely thrilled for him," he said pointing to his brother.
Lee Freedman said he and his brother assessed that Ockham's Razor had improved mentally since his debut second at Caulfield on January 7.
The $170,000 yearling purchase last year looks every bit a horse who will get better with age and racing. He almost races like a 3-year-old now.
Anthony Freedman said the grey was not the stable's best juvenile: "But, he's in the top bunch."
There was never any thought of bypassing that race.
"When you've got a horse with a chance in a restricted race worth a million you have to give it a go," said Lee Freedman.
Gallant filly Silk Pins looked likely to win when she put one length on the others at the 200m. She finished second and co-trainer Keith Hawtin said his team couldn't be disappointed.
"The winner turned in a fabulous effort."
Warhorse fought strongly for third ahead of Choice Bro and Mai Guru.
