Rebecca Williams Just Class
- Tuesday, 22 June 2010 22:32
Young apprentice Rebecca Williams showed a judgement of pace well beyond her years to take out the $12,000 Midland Express Maiden Plate (2037m) at Kyneton yesterday.
Allowing her mount Working Class ($7.50,$15) to stride from a wide gate to lead the field out of the Kyneton straight on the first occasion put Williams in a position to dictate terms and she did just that.
Muddling the tempo throughout Williams still had a strong hold of Working Class turning for home and despite a challenge from Hybeam ($2.50,$5) upon straightening the race was over when Williams pulled the stick, kicking clear to win by three and a half lengths with Queens Lager ($26,$31,$26) running into third a half length away.
Working Class is trained by Rebecca's mum Jennifer, who praised the ride of her daughter observing the benefit of a four kilo claim when used properly.
"If you can claim four kilos off their back in heavy conditions like today it is just so important," said Williams after the win.
"She got the horse across from the widest gate without using him up too much and then setup a pace to suit.
"I was just thrilled when she let him balance up, went hands and heels and then gave him a few hits with the stick, she is really improving," Williams added.
The role of ex-champion jockey John Didham has been a key in Rebecca's continued improvement according to Williams and she attributed much of the win to a long conversation between himself and the apprentice the night before.
"John has helped Rebecca quite a bit," said Williams.
"He spent the best part of an hour going over the race with her the night before and she rode almost to the letter as they had discussed."
Williams admitted the five-year-old Anabaa gelding needed a lot of management due to ongoing leg problems but was clearly appreciating the softer winter tracks.
"He had an operation to remove bone chips before I started training him," said Williams.
"Since then we haven't been able to work him as we would've liked but by taking our time we have been able to get a few nice results, including today's win.
"We will have to have a look at the calender to see whats about as the tracks are only going to get wetter," she added.
Rebecca Williams has ridden Working Class the five times for four cheques including two minor placings.
