Double-headers on Tuesday and Friday will make for a busy harness racing week around the country.
Addington and Manawatu get underway on Tuesday, with Manawatu’s seven race card starting at 3.24pm and the first of Addington’s eight races set down for 4.28pm.
Winton is next to go on Thursday with Friday Night Lights featuring meetings at both Alexandra Park and Addington.
The week is rounded out with a Sunday meeting at Rangiora.
Burton hoping to go one better with Ultimate Counsel
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
After going so close last start Nikita Burton is hoping to go one better at Addington on Tuesday evening.
The 18-year-old went within a neck of victory at Motukarara on February 16 when the Nigel Perkins-trained Ultimate Counsel just got beaten by Archie.
“Up the straight I got to the front but Ricky (May) fought back, but it was still a really good feeling,” says Burton.
It was just her ninth race day drive.
“The adrenaline rush is unreal.”
Burton and the He’s Watching six-year-old will line up again at Addington on Tuesday in Race 8, the Gold Band Taxis at 7.46pm.
Noted for his fast beginnings from a stand Ultimate Counsel will start from eight.
“He’s drawn a bit wide but hopefully he’ll step and get handy.”
In the early markets Ultimate Counsel, the winner of one from 37 starts, is at $9, with the two $3.20 favourites being Moet Shard and Eastwood Dream.
Nikita Burton’s always been around horses and racing. Her father Neil is a long-time hobby trainer and driver from Mid Canterbury who’s been driving and training winners since the mid 1980s.
Nikita Burton has worked at Stonewall for just over a year now. She worked for the powerful stable at Swannanoa in North Canterbury during the holidays before being offered a fulltime gig at their new complex in Weedons. She also lives on-site.
“I’m absolutely loving it, I’m very grateful.”
“Tim (Williams) has been a great help teaching me the ropes and Mandy (Telfer) has been a great support too.”
As for future goals Burton’s one is pretty obvious.
“I just want to keep learning, and drive a winner!”
