“He could be winning very soon,” says Nikkita Ross as the Trots Life Blackbook swells to 12, five of whom will step out at Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night.
Part of the Metrospective segment on SENTrack on Mondays, the Blackbook is the result of Ross and host Jason Bonnington scouring Saturday night’s metropolitan racing to shortlist those on the cusp of success.
The new thetrots.com.au column launched last week, with all seven entrants having since raced, returning four second placings and a third, with Itz Longtall Sally, Bullys Delight, Somebeachshadow, Sammy Showdown and Spring In His Step all rewarding each-way plays.
Return Soldier finished seventh and Repeat After Me fifth, with the latter the only runner to face the axe.
“He didn’t do any early work and didn’t finish the race off like you would have hoped, so he comes out of the Blackbook after just sneaking in the week prior,” the panel found.
But there were six new additions.
Here’s this week’s who and why:
Bullion Lady
(Blackbooked: 4th at Melton on December 12)
NIKKITA ROSS: She was well back in the field in a strong mares’ race and worked to the line really nicely, making good ground and running past some nice horses late.
Gobsmacked:
(Blackbooked: 6th at Melton on December 12. Next race: R8 N2 at Melton on Saturday).
JASON BONNINGTON: This bloke was flying during lockdown number one and his run in a heat of the Gordon Rothacker Memorial Champs indicated he’s not far from breaking through again back in a regional assignment from a decent draw.
Little Yankee
(Blackbooked: 1st at Melton on December 12).
Every rise in grade has the potential to be catastrophic for a horse like this little fellow but he seems to lift for every challenge presented. He’s heading into the Vicbred Super Series deep end now but looks to have serious scope.
Mr Bohannon
(Blackbooked: 2nd at Melton on December 12. Next race: R5 N2 at Melton on Saturday).
JASON BONNINGTON: I still don’t know exactly how to assess this fellow, but he went up in my estimation when sitting parked and fighting like a caged lion in heat two of the Gordon Rothacker Memorial Champs. He is the one to beat in next week’s final based on that performance for mine.
Steel Screens
(Blackbooked: 2nd at Melton on December 12. Next race: R5 N9 at Melton on Saturday)
NIKKITA ROSS: Was last at the 400m and had to make a wide run around the field in a quick last half, finishing strongly into second. A really good effort to make the ground that he did. He is a consistent horse who can break through for another win in his right race soon.
Sundons Courage
(Blackbooked: 4th at Melton on December 12. Next race: R10 N7 at Melton on Saturday).
NIKKITA ROSS: Made a mistake at the start and lost plenty of ground before chasing and doing his best work late in a really quick last quarter, to be beaten by less than 14 metres by arguably the best trotter in the country at this point in time. His run prior was also very good and if he can do everything right, he could be winning a race very soon.
Of the existing Blackbookers, only Bullys Delight has an engagement. He will contest the APG Melbourne Sales Pace at Melton on Saturday night.
Harness Racing Victoria