Craig Williams will replace holidaying jockey Steven King on Playwright who will be on trial at Flemington on New Year's Day for a crack at the Hobart Cup.King has been Playwright's regular rider since March 2008 but his decision to take a break could rob him of a drought-breaking victory on the gelding in Friday's Byron Moore Handicap (2000m).Playwright's last win was at Flemington on February 2 last year and King has ridden him at 13 of his past 20 starts, including all five runs this campaig

Craig Williams will replace holidaying jockey Steven King on Playwright who will be on trial at Flemington on New Year's Day for a crack at the Hobart Cup.

King has been Playwright's regular rider since March 2008 but his decision to take a break could rob him of a drought-breaking victory on the gelding in Friday's Byron Moore Handicap (2000m).

Playwright's last win was at Flemington on February 2 last year and King has ridden him at 13 of his past 20 starts, including all five runs this campaign, without success.

While a frustrating galloper, Playwright fuelled hopes for his connections that his losing run was about to come to an end last start when, at his first try at 2000 metres, he finished second to Right Fong in the Western Health Cup at Flemington on December 12.

"He has trained on well and I'm very happy with him," trainer Steve Richards said.

"He probably overraced a fraction in the middle stages last time but he should benefit from that run which was his first over the distance."

Richards said the Hobart Cup (2200m) on February 8 would be Playwright's goal if he regained winning form.

"It would be an ideal race for him if he shows us that he can run a strong 2000 metres right out and wins at Flemington," Richards said.

Winner of the past four Melbourne jockeys' premierships, Williams (14 wins) is 10 off the pace on this season's table with arch-rival Damien Oliver heading the list with 24 wins, one ahead of apprentice Jason Maskiell who starts a nine-meeting suspension on Tuesday night.

Williams' feature rides on Friday are Minnesota Shark (Group Three Standish Handicap) and Good Red (Listed Bagot Handicap), while he is also booked for Gardner (Maidstone Handicap), Ferocia (Flemington 1840-2010 Handicap), Dandy Dollar (Williamstown Handicap) and Airways (New Year Handicap).

Oliver has four early rides at Flemington including Royal Ida in the Standish and Ballack in the Byron Moore Handicap.