Racing: Trainer says title defender can do it

Ima Gold Digger will back up from winning the NZ Free-For-All on Tuesday. Photo / Simon Baker

Phil Williamson is hoping missing one battle will help him win the war with Springbank Richard today.

The enigmatic trotter returns to Addington to defend the Dominion Handicap title he won last season against a much stronger field but is still the $4.50 favourite.

He was allowed to miss the New Zealand Free-For-All on Tuesday, which Ima Gold Digger won in national record time.

Williamson, one of our great trainers of trotters, says sidestepping that gutbuster could be the best thing to happen to Springbank Richard's chances, and those of three key rivals, today.

"I am thrilled we missed Tuesday because they can't go records all the time, especially backing up three days later," says Williamson.

"I think the horses who raced on Tuesday might struggle to beat the fresh ones today."

Joining Springbank Richard as newcomers to the meeting are Sovereignty, I Can Doosit and Dr Hook, who are also four of today's favourites.

Springbank Richard looked a champion in the making winning this race last season but he lost all form soon after, although Williamson appears to have got him back to his best this term.

His winning run took a detour at Ashburton last start when he got too far back over a mile but still hit the line hard, putting a smile on Williamson's face.

"He is as good now as he was when he won this race last season so I think he can win again. But he is going to need to be because the field is stronger. As good and as tough as these top horses are, the ones who didn't race on Tuesday are the ones I am the most worried about."

Sovereignty has looked very sharp in his two recent Alexandra Park wins, showing no signs of the gait deficiencies which shackled him last summer.

He can be a touch slow from a standing start, which would negate his good draw, but still looks a top each-way chance.

I Can Doosit has had a limited preparation for today but bolted in at Kaikoura while Dr Hook will appreciate the return to Addington as he found Kaikoura too flat and tight last week.

While the quartet of newcomers will take a power of beating, it was impossible not to be impressed by Ima Gold Digger on Tuesday. He smashed many of our best trotters for the second start in a row and looks to have strengthened from last season.

While he can clearly win and could again represent value, the stocks of two other established stars have waned with punters and bookmakers.

Raydon was disappointing when sixth in the free-for-all on Tuesday and will need to improve today, although the 3200m will suit.

But the questions over great mare One Over Kenny are far more serious as she is racing 10 lengths below her best and will need a miraculous form reversal in what is one of the deepest form versions of this great race.

DOMINION DEFENCE
* Springbank Richard is back to defend his Dominion Handicap title at Addington today.

* Trainer Phil Williamson says he is in the same form as when he downed Sovereignty last season.

* He will need to be as this year's Dominion is stronger.

* Ima Gold Digger will back up from a national record win on Tuesday.