KEY POINTS:
Peter Ferguson concedes he faces an uphill battle to defend the national driving premiership - even though he is the clear leader.
Ferguson was six wins in front of harness racing's wonder kid Dexter Dunn before last night's Forbury Park meeting, where Dunn had several winning chances.
But Ferguson says Dunn's extra opportunities and the in-form stables he regularly drives for could give him more firepower in the last two months of the season.
If both men stick to their islands, Ferguson can drive at 11 more meetings this season and Dunn 15.
"But I think Dexter might have more good drives coming up," admits Ferguson.
"He is driving for some in-form stables, like Cran's (Dalgety) whereas I might not have as many handy maidens coming up this winter as I did last.
"It should be a close battle but for me, at this stage, it is not economically viable to go down south chasing drives.
"But if Harness Racing New Zealand or the host clubs want to make it a head-to-head thing and create some good publicity for the industry then I'd do my bit and go to the southern meetings as well."
That sounds like an ideal opportunity for harness racing officials to get behind the battle and light up some of the gloomier winter racing nights.
Ferguson, like everybody in harness racing, has been stunned by Dunn's 114 winners in his first full season in New Zealand.
"When you are a young guy like that, with not so many responsibilities at home and you don't have a family to take care of, it is a great ride, doing what he is doing now.
"So I think maybe he has an advantage, but it only takes a few things to go right for me and the gap becomes a bit bigger."
Ferguson, remarkably, has only three drives at Alexandra Park tonight but at least one of those, Ebony Gem, should be a winner.
The high-class 4-year-old was checked out of his Harness Jewels race last Saturday but comes in beautifully in tonight's $20,000 main pace.
Ebony Gem has always been at his best when not used early so his second-line draw is of little concern, especially in a field with some horses who like to go forward at the start.
"I think he will be spot on for this because he was one of the horses on Jewels Day who looked on top of his game, whereas some horses were starting to look a little tired.
"He didn't have a race after getting checked last week so he has to be tough [tonight]."
While chasing a third premiership win may not have much immediate economic benefit for Ferguson, the title is not without its rewards.
There is a cash prize for the winner while, more importantly, they get to represent New Zealand at the World Driving Championship.
The driving champs is a series we have a fine record in and which carries a US$25,000 ($32,000) first prize. So don't be surprised to see both Ferguson and Dunn clocking up a few air miles next month.
DRIVING FINISH
* Peter Ferguson leads the premiership as he tries to defend his title.
* But young gun Dexter Dunn is closing and has more opportunities in the next seven weeks.
* The race for the title could go down to the last meeting.
* Ferguson should get win 121 for the season with Ebony Gem at Alexandra Park tonight.
