Williams guides Gratwick to Valley win

Leading trainer Darren Weir has praised the ride of premier jockey Craig Williams who has steered Gratwick to a front-running win at Moonee Valley.

Gratwick ($5.50) had finished third in his past three starts but Williams was able to control the speed in Saturday’s William Hill Handicap (1200m).

The three-year-old kicked around the turn and proved too strong for the closing Malaise, winning by a length with a half-neck to Mr Sneaky third.

Malaise was ridden by Dwayne Dunn who was dumped from the colt while being legged aboard in the mounting yard and landed on his back.

He was examined and passed fit to ride and examined again after the race with his condition to be monitored throughout the meeting.

“You’ve got to give a bit of credit where credit is due. It was a great ride,” Weir said.

“He got him out in front and got him to relax, because he’s not easy to ride.

“The plan was to either be outside the leader but if they went quick enough be in the one-one (position). But when he began so well and there was no speed, Craig took it up.

“So I think the win goes to Craig.”

It was three-year-old Gratwick’s second win from nine starts.

The win in Saturday’s opening race took Williams to 30 wins for the season, equal at the top of the standings with Dunn.