Invercargill trainer Alister Black does not like to muck around when he travels to Forbury Park.
And that is why his team of three runners is worth a look at tonight's 10-race meeting.
"I don't like taking them now unless I think they've got a show of at least getting into the first four.''
But with The Jinja Ninja (race 7), Pulling The Strings (race 9) and Ossessione (race 10), Black can afford to aim a little higher.
All three are leading hopes in their respective events, and The Jinja Ninja looks well placed to get Black's night started the best way.
The mare blew out at Ascot Park on May 8 after a tough run in transit, but did recover to win a workout on Saturday.
"We gave her a few days off and she trialled up pretty good last Saturday so it was onwards and upwards.''
Black had looked after the daughter of Sundon for previous trainer Brent White during a southern campaign last spring, but her second to Queen Kenny in December caught Black's eye, and he arranged to buy the 5yr-old.
She did not show much in her first three starts for Black, but her return to racing in March has produced two wins in her past five starts.
"The only thing I did was give her a let-up and she came back a heap better,'' Black said.
"She has got a lot of ability, but it's just the brain department and I reckoned she was having a few seasonal problems too.''
The Jinja Ninja is just 10m behind the c2 trotters on the front line, which made Black's decision between Forbury Park and the Winton meeting on Saturday a lot easier.
"I thought she was probably better off there than going to Winton where she would be in a c1 and off 20m rather than 10m.
"There's only $500 difference in stakes and I thought she would probably strike a small field at Forbury.''
A handy draw of barrier 3 means Pulling The Strings could employ similar leading tactics to his win at Ascot Park earlier this month.
"We'll lead up and try and outsprint them,'' Black said.
"But there's one of Ken Barron's [My Cash] that goes pretty good. That might take a little bit of beating, but he will give himself an honest account.''
My Cash is drawn to follow through Pulling The Strings from the second line, and Black would not be too concerned if driver Brad Williamson opted to lead then hand up to My Cash.
"Even if we're in front and he comes, I wouldn't mind sitting on his back.
"He's quite versatile - he can sit in front or come from behind.''
Ossessione returns to the c2 grade after solid form in the grade below, capped off by a win at Forbury Park last week.
He has drawn barrier 7 in the seven-horse field, and Black expects the 4yr-old will move forward at some point to make the race interesting.
"I would imagine at some stage we will be getting to the death and try and outstay them,'' he said.
"Elusive Flight is probably the hardest to beat.''
Tips from the talent
Geoff Knight
•Fern Fever (race 3, No 3)
Matthew Williamson
•Pyramid Magic (race 7, No 6)
Jonny Cox
•Eja Patron (race 4, No 3)
Brad Williamson
•Danielle Amore (race 1, No 6)
Rory McIlwrick
•Elusive Flight (race 10, No 3)
