Races

Sensational Sensessional Shines Again for Williams Team

Sensessional continues to dazzle in Western Australia, cementing his status as one of the most exciting gallopers in the Grant and Alana Williams stable. The talented Sessions gelding added another feather to his cap on Saturday, storming home to win the $100,000 Blue Spec Stakes (1600m) at Belmont.

Already victorious in the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes (1400m), Sensessional remains unbeaten this campaign and is clearly thriving under the Williams’ guidance. With momentum on his side, co-trainer Grant Williams is keen to keep the winning streak alive.

“We may attack some of the lesser races around the carnival,” Williams said. “If he had to come up against the proper Group 1 horses, he maybe is a touch off them. Our trick now is to find the best races for him and try and earn as much stake money as we can.”

The team is eyeing the next few weeks as a prime opportunity to capitalise on Sensessional’s peak form, with longer-term plans for the Ascot carnival being carefully considered. Williams added, “We’re always pretty honest with where he’s at,” reflecting the stable’s thoughtful approach to placing their runners.

While Sensessional stole the spotlight, stablemate Immortal Bliss also impressed with a commanding win earlier in the day—his second since arriving in WA from South Australia. The imposing gelding, formerly trained by Peter Hardacre, has quickly caught the eye of the Williams team.

Jockey William Pike guided Immortal Bliss to victory as the raging favourite, rounding out a stellar day in the saddle. Grant Williams believes the best is yet to come.

“Physically it looks like he could race in top company,” Williams said. “His work at home is pretty good and his mental thing is something we’re working through.”

With more racing experience and a step up to 1200m on the horizon, Immortal Bliss is shaping as a serious sprinting prospect.

Also worth noting was Petrouchka’s gritty fourth-place finish behind Objectify. The performance marked a step forward for the mare, and a trip to Kalgoorlie is now on the cards as the team explores her next move.