I don’t have to swim it: Hectic schedule suits Williams

By Danny Matthews (Racing & Sports)

Hopping between states and countries sees no slowing down for Craig Williams as goal shifts are a part of the job.

The rest of us could imagine riding in around 25 races between Gold Coast, Melbourne then Hong Kong all in 48 hours to be a lot on our plates but when you're as driven and at the top of your game like Craig Williams, it all comes as natural in chasing continued success.

Though it is not just those destinations.

Add Hong Kong back to Melbourne early next week then New Zealand next weekend and a few winners anywhere outruns frequent flyer points by a long way.

"They've got planes, so I don't have to swim it," Williams said before returning to Gold Coast for Friday night's second attempt at the Magic Millions features after a well-timed freshen-up in Byron Bay with his family.

"It's exciting," he adds.

"I spent three years in Hong Kong and it is nice to go back especially as I've got eight rides.

One of those rides is aboard former Victorian galloper when trained by Matt Laurie, Magic Control, who takes on Asia's latest sprinting star Ka Ying Rising in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint (1200m) on Sunday.

When asked if the David Hayes-trained new sensation has any chinks in his armour, Williams delivers a sure and certain 'no'.

"If you're winning the international races up there and you're coming back to the domestic horses, it is going to be very easy for Ka Ying Rising," he said.

So, with that sorted, the immediate attention of Magic Million races under lights on Friday, Melbourne's current leading jockey teams up with Brisbane's leading trainer, Tony Gollan, to ride $6.50 chance La Bella Boom in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m).

"Tony said that she is one of the toughest two-year-olds he has trained and she eats up everything and is so sound," Williams said.

"The extra six days was favourable for her but it wasn't necessary either.

"As a rider, you're always guided by the trainer and their team around them.

"If she turns up like she did at Sunshine Coast, I was impressed and the confidence that brings to young horses is always an advantage."

Craig also rides Nettuno and Skirt The Law for Gollan's stable.

After the Gold Coast, an early flight to Melbourne sees Williams with eight rides at Flemington before his Saturday night flight to Hong Kong.

To New Zealand later in the week, he will partner Captured By Love for Te Akau Racing in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) next Saturday.

Captured By Love is rated a $6 chance and is third favourite for the Ellerslie feature.