Big things up next after ‘Niki’ takes fifth straight

Royally-bred mare Niki Nah Nah (Captaintreacherous) is starting to realise her potential after scoring her fifth consecutive harness racing win at Bendigo.

Ellen Tormey managed to slot Niki Nah Nah ($1.85 fav) into the one out one back trail from her wide front row draw before surging to the lead on straightening. She staved off the challenges in a mile rate of 1:55.3.

Niki Nah Nah in now unbeaten in five outings for the Julie Douglas stable while Tormey is four from four in the sulky.

Managing owner Rob Auber said he made the decision to relocate the mare following a frustrating run of outs.

“I have had a love hate relationship with the horse and I liken it to sending one of your children to boarding school,” Auber said.

Auber said the daughter of Victoria Oaks winner Niki No No was nearly given her marching orders on several occasions.

“She was never giving 100 per cent and I wanted to sack her few times but Paul (Males) talked me out of it,” he said.

Auber said the Douglas camp was prepared to travel to the Sunraysia in order for the mare to find her way back into the winner’s stall.

“One of the reasons she went to Julie Douglas was that they would put her the float to Mildura which they did and she won and I’ve no doubt it has helped with the horse’s confidence,” he said.

“They changed a bit of gear on her and now she is a mare in the zone and they’ve got her thinking right.”

Auber said Niki Nah Nah may be targeted at next month’s $75,000 Ladyship Cup at Melton.

“She is in the zone and we’ve got nothing to lose,” he said.

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink