Partytime shows a touch of class

Bruce Stewart Journalist

Partytime (Tall Dark Stranger) showed plenty of class for a first starter when the three year old easily won at Ascot Park today.

He began well from his mid field draw, to sit parked. Driver Nathan Williamson then took him to the top before handing up to Teal Jaccka. Once the passing lane presented, Partytime extended with a sharp turn of foot and went down to the line to win easily by two and a quarter lengths running the 2200 metres in 2-43.7.

“Rapt with what he’s done today. I’ve never really let him go at the trials or workouts because he’s such a nervy hyperactive wee man and we’re just trying to build his confidence. Today was the first time I’ve asked him to finish things off and he’s pretty much done it under his own steam,” Williamson said.

Partytime in the trail with a lap to run

At the finish

Williamson says it’s unlikely Partytime will contest some of the bigger three year old races in the second part of the season.

“He’s the type of horse that will race through his grades, educate him and maybe take him on a trip up the road. He’s a progressive horse and we do like him. We haven’t lit him up just yet but he’s got a wee bit of speed.”

The royally bred gelding is owned by Australian Ray Thacker.

“He bred him and rang me because I’d had a bit to do with the family. I trained Yankee Party for a couple of starts and drove her in all of her wins (five). She was a fantastic mare and I even drove the mother (Surprise Party) to win. She’s left some nice horses and hopefully we’ve got another one.”

Thacker purchased Surprise Party in 2022 after her owners John and Katrina Price had bred a handful of nice horses including Repartee (17), Stag Party (7) and Yankee Party (5).

“He’s a nice wee horse but he’s green and a real character. Physically he’s not real strong just yet and he’s going to develop further once he matures. That probably comes down to his demeanour. He’s always on the go around the place. He’s one of those little fidgets.”

Later in the programme, Stranger Things also by Tall Dark Stranger and owned by the Prices, won her second race at start number six. She’s a half-sister to the recently retired Ruby Roe and is also trained by the Prices.

Meanwhile Williamson is happy with Cheer Up N Dance (Always B Miki) who kicks her career off at Addington tomorrow night.

“Really happy with her. She’s come through her trial good. It’ll be a big ask for her going up there. She’s going to have a wee holiday on the back of the race. She’s a big girl and should be better in the spring and probably in twelve months as well.”

Williamson also reports that both Duchess Maria (Father Patrick) and Indulge Me (Downbytheseaside) are back in training with the Prices.

“She’s (Duchess Maria) obviously a freakishly talented horse. Let’s hope the problems stay away this time and she gets back to her best on the racetrack.”