In-Form Lane Ready for First Test at Cluden Mile

Townsville trainer Ben Williams will push problematic galloper Our Alicia’s Lane into unknown territory when he tackles the mile for the first time at Cluden Park tomorrow.

Williams is hoping a late decision to run the seven-year-old in the TAB Open (1609m) will again pay off for the last start 1400m winner.

“We haven’t had much luck with the sprinting distances with him but he’s shown every sign that he wants to settle and get further,” Williams said.

“It was a late decision - he’s super fit and we haven’t had to change a thing with his work.

“The trip is going to be a big question, but I always thought he’d get 1400m and I think this is the right time and right race to try the mile.

“The other day when won - it wasn’t a mug’s race – it was a solid open field and he was very strong through the line.

“He’s taken a lot to get right and he’s honest so we’ll just hope for a good run and for him to get his chance.”

Williams is encouraged by the lack of proven milers in tomorrow’s line-up. Of the eight runners Verbalizer and outsider Sugar Buzz are the only winners at the trip.

He has again booked visiting apprentice Melea Castle for her 2kg claim after she steered the gelding to his last start win on September 30.

The popular trainer has led in winners at the past two Cluden meetings and along with Our Alicia’s Lane, will also saddle up leading hope Molongle Surprise in the Brown Brother Cl6 Plate (1000m).

A winner of five of his nine starts, Molongle Surprise is having his first start back since being galloped on and stripped behind when he finished third with 60kg to Matterhorn in Cairns in August.

The Bel Esprit gelding will clash again with Matterhorn tomorrow, but 3kg better at the weights, after tuning up for the run with a cracking barrier trial win last week.

“He’s a good chance but it’s always heart in your mouth with him because of all of the problems he’s had,” Williams said.

“The vet was pretty concerned with his leg because of the gash he copped. It was the same leg that he’s had all the trouble with.

“I eased up on him to let him fully heal. His trial win was impressive and I’d say he’s around 90 per cent wound up going into the race.

“It was a big call to start him in the Lightning, but we gave him a crack knowing his ability and he was beaten a nose.

“The stable was a bit unlucky not to knock off a couple of races during the carnivals, but we’ve won a few lately and hopefully we can keep up the averages this week.”

Pictured: Got There! Our Alicia's Lane and apprentice Melea Castle storm home to win at Cluden a fortnight ago. Our Alicia's Lane will tackle the mile for the first time.

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