Pukekohe trainer Brent Mangos isn't expecting Mr Williams to win the $100,000 New Zealand Derby at Addington on Friday night.
"To be fair to the horse, I can't see him winning in a fit," Mangos said candidly yesterday.
Mangos said the lightly raced Mr Williams would not disgrace himself but
he would be happy if he finishes in the top six.
"He's quite a good follower of speed and if you take out the top three or four, I think he is as good as the rest," he said.
"He gets out good but he won't be able to cross the one [Badlands Bute for the lead]."
With a two or three back trail from his two alley, Mr Williams could be an upset place chance.
Mr Williams, a colt by Live Or Die purchased from the 2003 Christchurch Ready To Run 2-year-old sale, was a little weak then, but had continued to strengthen, Mangos said.
"He will be better with more time."
Mr Williams has won three of his five starts, and was a top fifth in a two-three win pace at Auckland last start. Mangos decided to put him in the derby when numbers were light.
Mangos said Mr Williams would be staying south for further races at Addington over the next five weeks.
Meanwhile, Mangos said his top filly Molly Darling would race again at Auckland on April 29 to top her off for the New Zealand Oaks and Nevele R Fillies' Final at Addington next month.
Also set to campaign in Canterbury for the next few weeks is former Canterbury pacer Badlee.
- NZPA
