Craig WIlliams aims for third PB Lawrence Stakes win
![](https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Mr-BrightsideAll-Star-Mile_18-03-2023_WIN_Moonee-Valley_7__1199-734x460.jpg)
Craig Williams will be shooting for a third win in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield when he partners Mr Brightside in the 1400m contest on Saturday.
Mr Brightside and Williams shared the spotlight 12 months ago while the jockey’s first win in the weight-for-age contest came aboard Hartnell in 2017.
The Hartnell victory taught Williams a valuable lesson, one that he rarely sidesteps in his preparations on race day.
Williams has always been charitable with his time as evidenced by his ongoing commitment to the Ukranian people in their fight with Russia.
Back in 2017, Williams was asked for his time in the lead up to the Lawrence Stakes but behind the barriers he found to his horror he did not have the same vest on that he weighed out in to ride Hartnell.
If successful, Hartnell would have weighed in light, so Williams delved into a nearby farriers’ bag to get some tools that he rode with in his boots.
Hartnell duly scored, but Williams weighed in overweight and was subsequently fined $2000 by Racing Victoria Stewards.
The penalty may sound harsh, but it could have been a lot heftier had Williams not realised while it would also have cost punters who had supported the $2.80 favourite that day.
“Once I put myself in that position and I realised, the most important thing was to make sure the horse would not be disqualified,” Williams said.
“What happened that day was a charitable approach and regardless my practices don’t change on race day anymore, even if it is for a greater good than horse racing.
“But I did learn a valuable lesson from that situation.”
Six years on and Williams is looking forward to again partnering Mr Brightside having ridden the gelding in nine of his 11 victories.
He missed the gelding’s last two wins – the All-Star Mile and a second Doncaster – through injury.
Williams was aboard Mr Brightside in his two jump-outs at Flemington in preparation for Saturday’s return and said he is a completely different horse to the one he rode 12 months ago.
“Comparing him to 12 months ago, he’s a completely different horse but he’s no different in his physique as to where he started off his last preparation when he won the All Star Mile and the Doncaster,” Williams said.
“He’s starting off a good base and all I can report in difference from his last preparation is that he is now a lot calmer.
“I’m really happy with him going there because sometimes he can be a little bit fresh when he starts his preparations off.
“If his training group wish to race over further than 1600 metres, I think they will be rewarded this time in the way that he feels to me.”
More Racing News
Skybird out to upset Black Caviar Lightning Stakes 2025
Skybird may be one of the outsiders in Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning, but if trainer Mitch Freedman gives the green light, she will be continuing a strong family tradition in the prestigious 1000m Group 1 event at Flemington. The Ballarat-based trainer is still considering whether the Lightning Stakes or next week’s...
Sepals tackles the CS Hayes Stakes at Flemington
Race programming can often be a significant challenge for horse trainers. Finding suitable races for promising horses to progress through the grades and accumulate prize money for their owners isn’t always straightforward. At times, trainers are left with no choice but to enter their horses in tougher races than ideal. This...
G1 Golden Slipper aspirations on the line at Randwick
With the Golden Slipper now just five weeks away, anticipation is building for the southern hemisphere’s richest two-year-old race. Several promising juveniles will be looking to make their mark at Randwick this weekend. Among the 11 competitors in the Pierro Plate (1100m), three contenders are currently listed at $26 with betting...
Fancify chasing more Flemington glory in Frances Tressady Stakes
Trainer Michael Hickmott is eager to build upon the impressive track record of Fancify as she prepares to compete in a Stakes event at Flemington. With seven victories from 14 career starts, Fancify has established a strong affinity with Flemington, boasting two wins and a runner-up finish in her three appearances...
Maher team chase important G1 win in Black Caviar Lightning Stakes
The Ciaron Maher stable is eagerly anticipating the upcoming showdown between their promising three-year-old, Growing Empire, and the highly regarded colt from New South Wales, Switzerland. The two last crossed paths during the spring carnival, where Switzerland claimed victory in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington, leaving Growing...
Wide draw an unwanted barrier for Manaal in the Light Fingers Stakes
A sparse spring and an extended break have provided an ideal foundation for standout filly Manaal to make her presence felt in the Sydney autumn carnival, beginning with the Light Fingers Stakes. With owners Emirates Park eager to keep the three-year-old in racing beyond this season, trainer Michael Freedman decided to...
G1 Tancred Stakes a target for trouble-free Arapaho
Staying talent Arapaho may not be expected to challenge frontrunners like Via Sistina and Ceolwulf in his season opener at the Apollo Stakes, but trainer Bjorn Baker remains positive about his long-term campaign. After a difficult 18 months following his 2023 Tancred Stakes victory, Arapaho returned to form last spring, closing...
Magic Time read to go in the Expressway Stakes
With six career victories and over $2.6 million in prize earnings, Magic Time has proven to be an exceptional mare. Trainer Grahame Begg is convinced she has returned to the stables in even better shape. The dual Group 1 winner is set to launch her latest campaign in the Expressway Stakes...
Watson plans to Storm Away with the Magic Millions WA Classic
Storm Away delivered a strong first-up performance on debut at Ascot last Saturday. Trained by Mitchell Pateman, the gelding finished second but left a lasting impression despite the narrow defeat. After breaking slowly and racing wide, he surged to the front but was edged out by Monte Tremezzo by a long head. A...
Seven internationals entered for Sydney autumn carnival
Maestro trainer William Haggas is once again setting his sights on Sydney’s prestigious autumn carnival, nominating three of his top runners, including the seasoned Group 1 campaigner, Dubai Honour. Haggas’ trio is part of a strong international contingent, with a total of seven overseas horses being aimed at marquee events. These...