The Robert Dunn-trained 4yr-old will attempt to add the group 3 Ascot Park feature to his recent Central Otago Cup and Ashburton Cup victories.
Heisenberg comes into the 2700m handicap after breaking the New Zealand record for 2400m in the rerun Central Otago Cup at Wyndham, last week. The Art Major pacer strode out powerfully in front and never looked like shirking in holding out runner-up and Invercargill Cup rival Nandolo.
Two months earlier, Heisenberg may not have shown the same tenacity. He was beaten in the Geraldine Cup and Pacers Green Mile at Methven when looking to have every chance to win.
Dunn and son John, who manages his father’s South Island stable and will drive the horse tomorrow, knew the horse had more to offer.
"We were just a bit worried he wasn’t toughing it out at certain times," Robert Dunn said.
"Johnny said he was felt like he was doing things easy in his races and he knew there was more in the tank.
"We always thought he would come to it.
"He was a late developer and we gelded him later on because we knew if we did it early he would lighten up. But it was a catch-22, because I think we might have kept him a colt too long.
"So now he is learning his craft and he is developing the will to want to win a race. He is getting smarter all the time and I think it is just the natural progression of racing him."
Applying a galloping hood has helped the 4yr-old to concentrate.
He was also aided in his past two cup wins by being in his favoured front-running position.
"He just drives so much better with it. Without it he tends to run around a bit," Dunn said.
"He is obviously racing where he likes, too. He is a strong front-running horse and he likes to get a rhythm."
Heisenberg made a solid beginning before working to the lead in his Ashburton Cup win.
John Dunn will almost certainly have the same plan in mind as the pacer reverts to a standing start tomorrow. Finding the front on the tight-turning Ascot Park track looks a recipe made to order.
"He is good from a stand and he gets the turns very well, as well," Dunn said.
"Invercargill is a track that if you can sprint around the turn quickly it is a big advantage."
Kilowatt Kid, Nandolo, Franco Santino and Robyns Playboy all back up after chasing Heisenberg home in the Central Otago Cup.
Bringitonhome, trained by Regan Todd, reverts back to a staying test after his sensational 1.52.2 mile (1609m) win at Nelson earlier this month. He starts from the 10m mark, ahead of 20m backmarker Vintage Cheddar.
Vintage Cheddar was brilliant when reeling off a 26.6sec last 400m to impressively win the Wairio Cup in his first start for the season for trainer Alister Black.
