Before last year, Melbourne Cup Day meant Matthew Williams leaving Flemington a frustrated man.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In 2005, one of the Warrnambool trainer’s horses Danish Wedding was in the sixth race, suffering breathing problems.
In 2006, his mare Sera Cielo had an irregular heartbeat after running in race four.
“It used to be a shocking day for me,” Williams laughed.
But that changed last year, when classy mare Flying Tessie stormed to a two-and-a-half length victory in the last race of the day at the famous meeting.
“It’s one of the biggest thrills you can get in racing,” Williams said of having a winner on Melbourne Cup Day.
“It’s not the best day of racing, Derby Day’s when the best horses are going around.
“But there’s just the excitement on Melbourne Cup Day … it’s like a grand final.”
Flying Tessie is hoping to give her trainer another grand final win today, when the five-year-old runs in the $150,000 Herald Sun Stakes (1400m) at Flemington.
The trainer also has Uxorious entered in the $100,000 MSS Security Sprint (1200m).
“Both horses are really good, each-way chances,” he said.
Flying Tessie returned to racing at Caulfield on October 16 following an 18-week spell. Williams was impressed with the run over 1100m, with the mare beaten a nose
by Varenna Miss.
“She’ll be better for having that run,” he said.
“Her work last Thursday morning on the course proper was exceptional.”
The trainer said the 1400m would suit Flying Tessie.
“There’s probably four or five genuine chances in the race and she’s probably well amongst them,” he said.
“It looks a really nice race for her and we just couldn’t be happier with her.”
He was also happy with Uxorious, which is edging towards the end of this preparation.
“He’s pulled up terrific since Caulfield (on October 13),” he said.
“He’s probably close to nearly being favourite in (today’s) race.
“He’s been up the straight twice and run very well both times.
“It’s a bigger field though so he’s going to need a little bit of luck.”
Williams said he would be most wary of the Mick Price-trained True Persuasion in the sprint.
Craig Williams will partner Uxorious today while a jockey for Flying Tessie will be finalised this morning.
Nash Rawiller was going to ride her but is instead required on Gai Waterhouse’s Montana Flyer.
