Veteran trainer Fitznahum Williams says that the victory by Western Warrior was a part of his preparation for the big one the Supreme Ventures Limited — Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes to be run on Boxing Day (December 27) over a mile (1,600 metres).

This came after the bay colt by Western Classic – Littlerichgirl made all convincingly to win a maiden special weight event over six furlongs (1,200m) in 1:13.1 minutes on Wednesday last.

“We are targeting the rich two-year-old race at the end of the year, which is the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes. He is bred to go long, so the distance of a mile won’t be an issue and I expect him to run well.

He (Western Warrior) won today (Wednesday) in a time of 1:13.1 minutes to show that he is improving, and we want to improve at that time as well,” Williams said.

Williams confirmed that the key to his charge’s victory was a change in racing equipment.

“During Western Warrior’s two previous runs, I saw that he was playing around during the races and so I decided to take off the tongue tie and put on the visor so that he could focus some more during the race, and that paid off with the victory. The change of equipment worked in our favour.

“The performance was good as it showed that he is ready to move on to a further stage in his development. He is a nice horse with talent,” explained Williams.

Ridden by Robert Halledeen, Western Warrior used his speed and quickly assumed the lead over the chasing pair of Rockdale (Aaron Chatrie) and the highly touted Bad Gal Hillary (Wesley Henry) approaching the half-mile.

At the top of the straight, Western Warrior kicked for home to score by three lengths over Night Light (Jevvanne Erwin) with Rockdale third.