Williams' win perfect start to busy week
Williams and his Stonewall Stud team got yesterday's Diamonds Day warm-up at Ascot Park under way by producing Mandala for an overdue victory.
The stars aligned for the 3yr-old, which is hopefully a sign of things to come for the Steve and Amanda Telfer camp when the feature races are up for grabs at Sunday's Diamonds Day meeting.
"It was three years in the making, but she found the perfect race and was able to produce a result," Williams said.
"The 1700m was ideal and back to the mobile — she had been missing away in stands."
"We also tinkered with a bit of gear.
"I wasn't sure she was going to find the markers early, but once she did I was pretty confident she would be hard to catch."
Williams will jet to Auckland today to link up with a Stonewall Stud team that includes Stella Rouge, one of the key contenders in the group 1 Northern Oaks.
After that, the reinsman's attention will be firmly on Diamonds Day, where the Telfer stable will start a strong lineup.
Among them is group 2 Alabar
Southern Supremacy Stakes hopeful CCArden.
The pacer showed his worth when running a gutsy second to hot favourite Five Crowns in a recent heat of the series.
"His last start, the grass probably didn't suit him but his second behind Five Crowns is a fairly good indication of how he will measure up," Williams said.
"He hasn't raced the better 3yr-olds too much and probably doesn't have their ringcraft yet.
"But the harder they go, the better it will suit him."
Seaside Rose drops back in class
on Sunday after her impressive win in the Southern Belle Speed Series Final at Winton.
With the mare thriving, Williams is hopeful her excellent recent form can continue.
"Drawing 8 isn't ideal, but she has proven she can rough it.
"Her confidence is on the up, she seems to be improving with every run and there is no reason she can't go another nice race."
Double Jeopardy looks another key threat for the Stonewall Stud team in Sunday's Regent Car Court Country Cups Final.
"Initially I was a little bit disappointed with his last start at Winton, but looking at the times he probably couldn't have gone much better," Williams said.
"Ascot Park should suit him if he can step away and get handy like he has been."
The Telfer stable also starts Treasure Cove in the group 2 Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes, Elektra King in the group 2 Macca Lodge–Nevele R Stud Southern Oaks, and Slots in Diamonds Day's finale.
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