Trainer Honson thinking outside the box

A LACK of suitable options has forced veteran horseman Michael Honson to “think outside of the box”.

Based in Broken Hill, Honson usually races his team in Mildura, but has struggled to get a start in recent weeks.

As such, the 64-year-old made the decision to look further away into South Australia, where he has found races for a pair from his stable.

In what will be an approximately 10-hour round trip, Honson has Brie and Village Lover engaged in tomorrow night’s Port Pirie meeting.

“I’ve raced a few in Port Pirie during my earlier days, but I’d say it has been at least a decade since I was there…hope they haven’t moved the track so I still know how to get there!” Honson said.

“I had them both nominated for Mildura last week, but Brie had too many points and Lover didn’t have enough.

“This week there were no suitable options in Mildura, so I decided to go to Port Pirie.

“It will take about five hours to get there. I’ll leave at 11am and get home about 2:30am, hopefully with a pair of winners!

“As long as they both perform well it will be good.”

To be driven by Ryan Backhouse, Brie has drawn barrier six over a mile, with Village Lover to come from four in the following event, which is also over the sprint trip.

“The barrier draws are a bit of a problem, plus Brie is first-up from a spell, so I’m hoping she can get into a good spot.

“Lover is still a bit of an unknown as he has got ability but hasn’t produced it at the races, so hopefully I can work him out.

“He always works well but doesn’t take to the races, I have changed a few things so hopefully we have hit the nail on the head and he can bring his best.”

• PAUL COURTS