Rhys Williams hoping for Wincanton fireworks from handicap debutant

Williams hoping for Wincanton win

Trainer Rhys Williams is hoping his lightly-raced hurdler Nassalam can make a successful handicap debut when he lines up at Wincanton on Saturday.

The six-year-old son of Nathaniel has finished in the frame on each of his three starts over hurdles, including when a close third over the course and distance in October.

Williams hopes some decent ground will allow the horse to show his true colours.

Good ground needed

He said: "The ground will need to be good for him to run. He handles soft ground, but he’s a much better horse on good ground.

"He ran well at Wincanton last time, although we were slightly disappointed not to win the race.

"He got in a bit of a battle with the second and that probably cost him a bit, but he’s come out of the race well and we’re looking forward to Saturday."

Building up

Williams has been pleased with the way Nassalam has been progressing since joining his yard from Ireland in the summer and believes he is now ready to take the next step up in class.

He said: "He’s a horse that is building up all the time. He’s only had three runs over hurdles, so he’s still relatively inexperienced.

"We think he’s got a big future and this looks to be a nice opportunity for him to show what he can do."