Racing: Bodega Negra gets chocolates

Photo / Alan Gibson

Queensland horseman Bruce Hill has trained hundreds of horses but he struggles to think of one tougher than Bodega Negra.

The 6-year-old will be lining up for his 54th race start and his 13th this season in the Open Handicap (1800m) at the Gold Coast today.

Hill has a lot of time for Bodega Negra although he would never put him in the class of his top horses, such as Man Of His Word or Teronado.

"As for being the toughest horse I have had I don't know, but I can't think of one tougher off hand.

"But as long as there is a bit of rain about and the track is soft he is always competitive. He has won seven races and nearly $400,000 so I would love a few more like him.

"He has basically been racing for a year with a few breaks in between."

Hill believes the rain which has soaked the Gold Coast this week is in Bodega Negra's favour.

"He has won four times on soft and heavy tracks and a few of his rivals on Saturday might struggle in the softer going," Hill said. "I am also looking forward to getting him back out to 1800m. He has only been to that distance once and was a good second at Eagle Farm.AAP