Negus has big wraps on Borrisokane

Rain looks the big factor in assessing the chances of Borrisokane (Sportswriter) at Wingatui on Monday.

On paper the Bruce Negus trained pacer looks close to a harness racing certainty, dropping back into maiden grade after running a huge second when taking on quality horses in a heat of the Southern Supremacy Stakes at Wyndham on Saturday.

The pacer’s run was bigger than it needed to be after he staged a big recovery from an early gallop.

Negus is confident his horse can put his feet in the right places on Monday, but he isn’t as confident about the conditions the pacer may face.

The Wingatui track was rated in a Soft 5 condition in thoroughbred terms on Sunday, with the Metservice forecasting rain for the Mosgiel region on Monday afternoon.

“A lot of people might wonder why I am lining him up again after a run like that on Saturday,” Negus said.

“But it is all part of him learning.”

“We have always known he has had the ability, but he is a big dummy.”

“He is not an advanced student, he has to learn what racing is all about.”

“I am confident he won’t do what he did at the start on Saturday again.”

“I think he had a bit of an excuse in that his hopples were a bit long and his head was a bit low.”

“And I think he would have won the race if he didn’t make that mistake, because he burnt a lot of energy after it.”

“I’m glad people got to see what he is capable of because I have had a big opinion of him.”

“I think he is potentially a top-liner further down the line.”

“I’d like to be confident with him but you can never be confident if it is going to be a wet track, it could be quite testing.”

Negus also starts Knockshanbally (Washington VC) in race 6 at Wingatui.

The pacer comes into the race after running a solid fifth at Wyndham on Saturday.

“I think he is a good chance, he was arguably a little bit unlucky when he was wide early on Saturday.”

“He did have a nice run after that, but needed them to go quicker.”

“I would like to think both horses could go well.”

“But you can’t be too confident if the track is going to be wet.”

Sheree Tomlinson drives both Borrisokane and Knockshanbally at Wingatui on Monday.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand