Trainer Peter Williams had meticulously laid the groundwork for Desert Lightning’s Melbourne campaign long before the talented galloper clinched victory in the Aotearoa Classic.
Williams, in collaboration with his wife Dawn, had initiated discussions with renowned trainer Peter Moody in anticipation of the race. The possibility of transporting Desert Lightning to Victoria now looms as a viable option following the unexpected triumph in Saturday’s feature event, securing the Kiwi contender a coveted slot in this year’s All-Star Mile.
Reflecting on the strategic planning, Williams revealed, “I was in conversation with Peter Moody a few days ago. I wanted to assess the facilities at Pakenham. Perhaps I could lodge with Mike Moroney; I prefer staying with familiar faces. There’s a lot of groundwork to cover.”
Desert Lightning showcased remarkable speed, outpacing New Zealand’s formidable Legarto along the straight to claim a comfortable victory. Legarto, earmarked for the Australian Cup, settled for second place in the exhilarating contest.
With Desert Lightning’s impressive performance opening doors to new opportunities, Williams and his team are poised to embark on an exciting journey as they meticulously plan their next steps for the talented galloper’s campaign in Victoria.
