Wagga trainer Trevor Sutherland is hoping stable favourite The Boondock Saint can celebrate his century of starts with a long overdue victory at Corowa’s race meeting on Tuesday.
The Boondock Saint will line up in his 100th race for Sutherland and a win will also see him burst through the $200,000 earnings mark.
Purchased by Sutherland and clients at a yearling sale at Dubbo for $31,000, the son of Chosir was won 10 starts with another 36 placings.
“He’s been a grand horse,” Sutherland said.
"He’s hardly ever misses a cheque, has carried big weight his whole life and has been a very honest all boy.”
At eight years old The Boondock Saint is definitely in the twilight on his career, however Sutherland expects to race again next season
"There’s still a fair bit left in him yet,” Sutherland said.
“I think he’ll race for at least another year after this one.
"He’s still as sound as a bell as just loves what he’s doing.
“He loves stable life so there’s no rush and while he’s happy we can keep poking along.”
Sutherland said he doesn’t know how to run a bad race, even though luck hasn’t been on his side lately.
His last win was in August, but Sutherland is proud of what The Boondock Saint has accomplished so far.
“When you have a horse like that people might whinge and say he doesn’t win enough but he’s won one out of every 10,” Sutherland said.
“That’s a big effort when you have another 36 seconds and thirds as well.”
Coming off a last start fifth at Wagga, Sutherland is confident coming into the Corowa RSL Club Benchmark 70 Hcp (1600m).
The in-form Andy Bloomfield, who rode a double at Albury on Saturday, has been booked to take the ride.
Taking on four last start winners, it looks a tough test for The Boondock Saint who has drawn barrier five for his milestone assignment.
Sutherland believes the barrier draw will help a change of fortunes.
“Lately he’s had terrible barriers and a big weight but I’ve got him in a race where he drops weight and has a good barrier,” Sutherland said.
“I think his runs have been good of late but he’s always had to work hard.”
Believing the winter period with softer tracks is when the eight-year-old is at his best, Sutherland is expecting improvement from his last effort.
Sutherland has a strong hand in the nine-race card with six horses entered, as he looks to hold off Chris Heywood in the Southern District Racing Australia trainer’s premiership race.
Coming off two placings, Bunwina is poised to break his maiden status.
