After a disappointing appearance on the harness racing big stage at Addington The Big Boss is back in winning form.
The giant pacer doesn't seem to have taken any harm from his Addington experience where he nearly fell, shortly after leaving the mobile arm.
"When he left the gate the inside pin (hopple pin) came out. They were a bit thin and one came out so he had a long and a short hopple but he was pacing alright. Shane pulled the other one and the short hopple went long and he lost all of his balance. We've gone back to the old rusty pins and everything is good," said Invercargill trainer Ray Faithful.
The pacer which raced without hopples for the early part of his career is now wearing a special set which helps his confidence.
"After he galloped at the Winton Workouts and lost 70 metres we put the hopples back on him and then he wouldn't go. So John Earl (Elite Racing Products) made us up a set that are 72 inches long and he hasn't looked back."
Today was only the second time The Big Boss has had a standing start on raceday. The only other time was his first visit to Addington in May when he galloped away losing all chance.
In todays race he began well and led after 50 metres. With 1400 metres to run All Jokes Aside was taken to the front. From that point, with horses moving up on the outside, driver Shane Walkinshaw had to rely on All Jokes Aside to take him to the passing lane. He made the passing lane but was still a few lengths from the leaders and down on momentum. But Walkinshaw got him going, pulling the ear plug late. He came away at the end to win by two lengths from a late charging Robs Ideal.
Flying! The Big Boss winning at Ascot Park Photo Bruce Stewart
"The Wairio Cup is next, then the Gore Cup where we'll take on the Captain Dolmio crowd. He'll then have a week off and get ready of the Invercargill and Northern Southland Cup."
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing