By MIKE DILLON
Don't be too quick to back Boon's Boy to win the $100,000 Great Northern Steeplechase after his dashing win at Ellerslie yesterday.
That's the advice of Ken Browne.
Boon's Boy was very impressive winning the $20,000 Morgan Furniture Steeplechase at Ellerslie yesterday, but Browne said the win had an element of the circumstantial about it.
"He's a strong Northern chance for sure, but he had the advantage today of being the best conditioned of my horses," said Browne.
Browne had watched Boon's Boy and Michelle Hopkins take the race from his seat aboard Lost In The Rain, who finished well back after leading twice in the middle stages.
"At this stage I'd rate Drops O'Rain my best Northern chance."
Drops O'Rain and Brendon Greig finished sixth only 4.4 lengths from his stablemate and Browne says there is huge improvement in the horse.
"And there is Wanderlust sitting in the wings as a real Northern prospect."
Boon's Boy and Willie Tee set to it for the last 1600m with Boon's Boy getting the better of the battle with two fences to run. Ross Elliot was delighted with the run.
"He will improve so much with that effort."
So was trainer Tony Cole with third-placed Royal Ways, already winner of the big one.
"That was the first time he had jumped a fence since he raced last winter," said Cole.
"And he's not a horse who can race well at that short distance.
"He'll be very ready by the time the Northern comes around."
Racing: Superior fitness paves way for Boon's Boy
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