Track expert Slim Nikita eyes Townsville success

By Josh Spasaro 

There is one important race trait you can rest assured Slim Nikita will bring to Townsville on Tuesday night and that is his enthusiasm at box rise.

The two-year-old black dog has drawn the coveted box one for Mark Partland over 498 metres at the North Queensland venue on Tuesday evening. 

And, despite not placing in his past three starts, the Superior Panama and She’s Sweet chaser is a track specialist. He has won there three times from seven starts.

His only other victory came at the Q Straight on July 12 last year.

“The litter is full-on. But, they’re good. Tony Parker has got Organised Kaos out of it and another one (Flying Argos),” Partland said.

“She’s Saintly is down in Melbourne going pretty good at the moment, as well.

“They’re keen to get out of the boxes and go, so I don’t mind it.”

The field Slim Nikita will face on Tuesday night is a strong one. It includes Tipsy Tess, Maisie Moo Moo and I’m Free on Slim Nikita’s outside in boxes two, four and five for Parker.

The consistent Jackknifed will jump from lane seven for Greta Thomson.

“He’s up against it. There are plenty of good dogs in there,” Partland said.

“He’ll give it his all. If he settles reasonably close, he’ll run home strong.

“But, he can’t go the times that some of these dogs are running at the moment, unfortunately. I wish he could.”

Partland said Slim Nikita drawing the one would make things interesting as he brings his chaser back up to 498 metres.

“I just put him in over 380 metres to freshen him up a bit (in two of his past three starts),” Partland said.

“That whole litter needs the inside. He tried to get across, but ran fourth last start.

“Drawing the one here would be an advantage to him and Tony’s one on the outside, from the two, will be gone.

“So, if he runs a nice race, it’d be good. I think he’s looking for a bit of extra ground, so if he can get a 643 metre race, I’ll probably head in that direction.

“He’ll be getting home well. There are only six in it. It’s only a small field, so that’ll help him, as well.”

Partland added Slim Nikita’s litter sister, She’s Spirited, should live up to her name and try her best over 380 metres at Townsville on Tuesday night.

“I’ve got a few out of that litter and they’re all good dogs,” he said.

“I’ve also got She’s Spirited. She was in last week and got second in 21.63 seconds.

“She’s drawn the one again, so she’ll be hard to beat. The litter gives 100 per cent, but they do want the rail.”