Penelope Lane wins for Williamson and Caig

Bruce Stewart Journalist

At the Forbury Park Trotting Club meeting at Wyndham today a well judged front running drive by Brad Williamson ensured his stable runner Penelope Lane (Volstead) started her racing career on a winning note.

After beginning well Williamson sat his filly on the outside early before he took her to the front.

After cutting out even sectionals, Penelope Lane held out a late charge from stablemate and favourite To The Moon And Back to win by an ever diminishing half a head.

“She was quite lazy in the running, quite green. But I was very happy with the way she sprinted at the top of the straight,” Williamson said.

Penelope Lane (3) winning at Wyndham (Bruce Stewart Photo)

Bred by Winton SBSR breeder Michelle Caig, Penelope Lane is out of her Lindy Lane mare City Lane which won seven races for the late Bill Feiss.

Penelope Lane with Michelle Caig and Brad Williamson (Bruce Stewart Photo)

As a broodmare City Lane’s best has been Saratoga which won twelve and Renezmae the winner of seven, including the Group One Breeders Crown for two year old trotting fillies.

“Kirk Larsen broke her in and she did her early prep with Chelsea Faithful, so they deserve plenty of the credit. I’ve just had her for this prep.”

Williamson confirmed Penelope Lane will now head to the $15,000 Gold Chip Final at Invercargill in early July.

“There’s nowhere to race one win horses down here at the moment. It’s something we need to look at and there needs to be more programmed. A hell of a lot of horses coming out of maidens have to race ten and twelve win horses and they just get hammered.”

Williamson was pleased with the run of To The Moon And Back who got back and charged home for second.

“Kerryn (driver Kerryn Tomlinson) said he got a couple of checks mid race. He’s got plenty of ability and getting beaten a few times in maidens and getting a bit of ringcraft will be good for him.”