Nicconi County has been in a purple patch of form over winter and will bid to extend his winning streak to four when he heads to Ruakaka on Saturday.
The Bob and Jenny Vance-trained eight-year-old kicked off his winning run at Ellerslie in June before posting back-to-back victories at Ruakaka, all over 1200m.
Bob Vance said his charge has appreciated the forgiving footing at the Northland venue, which has been reflected in his recent performances.
“He has done everything right and we are quite happy with him,” he said.
“He really needs the sting out of the track. Over the summer he was just jarring up a bit on the firm tracks. We gave him a break and the give in the track up there is perfect for him.”
The son of Nicconi is a dual acceptor for the Gallagher Insurance Bream Sprint (1100m) and Shane Batten Electrical Bream Bay Cup (1400m), and Vance is leaning towards the latter, where he will carry 4.5kg less and jump from an inside alley.
“He will probably go to the 1400m because he has drawn two and there is a bit of pace in the race, so he will probably get a trail,” he said. “I don’t think the race is super strong and he is going well enough to win an Open.”
With spring racing around the corner, Vance said Nicconi County will likely have one more run before heading for a spell.
“He has been up for quite a while, even though he did have a break over Christmas, and he needs the sting out of the track,” he said.
Vance will also head north with Double Take, who will line-up in the Ruakaka Beach front Motel (1600m).
“It is probably a bit short for him,” Vance said. “1600m is not really his distance but you have got to get these runs under their belt before he goes up over 2100m. I expect he will improve from the run.”
Vance has made his last couple of trips to Ruakaka with Josh King, his daughter Maija Vance’s partner, but this weekend he will make the trip alone, with King sidelined with a broken foot.
“He fell off a horse and has broken his foot and is hobbling around in a moon boot,” Vance said. “He is having an operation on his foot next Wednesday.”
Meanwhile, the Vances have recently welcomed the addition of Steely Man to their barn. Owned by harness racing trainer John Dickie, the Embellish gelding has been a solid performer on the track, winning two races to date and more than $140,000 in prizemoney.
“He ran some really good races last year and he is pretty competitive,” Vance said. “Even though he has only won two races, he has got a bit of stake money.
“John Dickie had him in work for a month at his place and we have had him in work for about two weeks, so he is a fair way off yet. We will just go through the grades with him and work our way up.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
