Williams claims quinella in Highway Hcp

Aquittal (left) and Kopi Luwak have provided trainer Danny Williams with a Randwick quinella.

Acquittal and Kopi Luwak share top billing at Goulburn trainer Danny Williams’ stable and the two have shown why with their one-two finish in the Highway Handicap at Randwick.

Williams admitted on weights and measures he had a leaning to Acquittal in Saturday’s 1400m-race but punters went the other way with Kopi Luwak the $3.10 favourite over his winning stablemate Acquittal ($3.50).

But Acquittal’s 6kg advantage and Kopi Luwak’s bad luck in running was the difference with the margin a length.

It was a race in two with Kopi Luwak 3-3/4 lengths ahead of third placed Celtic Trail ($101).

“I have always held them both in high regard,” WIlliams said.

“They are as good as I’ve got and would be the top two in my stable.”

Williams has an affinity for Acquittal because he bought him and retains a share while Kopi Luwak has been a labour of love after causing the trainer serious injuries three years ago and then injuring himself in a track accident.

“It’s a great outcome and they will both head to the Country Championship heat,” Williams said.

“”I love them both but obviously if Kopi Luwak had been able to get out earlier it might have been different.

“And the weight was a factor. In the Country Championship heat they will be at level weighs and they both have plenty of improvement in them so it’s a good result all round.”