Burman On Track For Winter Chase Riches

THERE were two heats of the Listed Winter Chase at Albion Park last Thursday night, both going the way of the Ray and Mary Burman-trained litter brothers Big Boy Bruce and Techno Hornet.

Sons of Paw Licking and Bizarre Barbie, the Winter Chase hopefuls have been wonderful money-spinners for the Burmans, Big Boy Bruce winning 17 races and $115k in stakes, while Techno Hornet has won 10 races for $63k in earnings.

Little separated the pair on the clock in last week's 600 metre heat victories, Big Boy Bruce recording 34.93 before Techno Hornet registered 34.96.

"It was one of Big Boy Bruce's better wins," Mary Burman said.

"He was six lengths off them down the back straight but got them in time. I was most pleased to see him break 13 seconds in the run home; he's still getting stronger.

"It was impossible to lead Pump It when it came out and broke the first section record. He was forced to come from behind, when he's normally the one who jumps on the lure. He showed us he's not a one trick pony."

Techno Hornet was once the quiet achiever of the litter but has exploded as a middle distance dynamo in recent months, running another personal best time last Thursday.

"It was a landmark for Techno Hornet as well breaking 35 seconds (34.96) for the first time, that's what he needs to be running to be competitive in this grade," Burman said.

"He was the slow and steady one in the litter early on. Dynamite Lucy, Blue Diva and Big Boy Bruce got to the track so early, but he's catching them fast, win number ten last week and up over $60,000 in prize money."

Off the bend start, the 600 metre journey can bring dogs undone. But more often than not, Big Boy Bruce and Techno Hornet have used it to their advantage with their box manners.

On Thursday night, Burman is hoping they can avoid each other early.

"Both dogs have shown they can offset a wide draw from the six hundred start, I actually think Techno Hornet prefers it out there," Burman said.

"If we could get one near the fence and one out wide that'd be ideal, it's every trainers' nightmare thinking they'll come together early.

"It's a really good race that's going to come down to who's best on the night, there's no absolute standout, there's a lot of dogs that can run similar time, it'll be a tough race but one we can win off last week's form."

Burman said the Winter Chase could be the start of a busy stretch for the kennel-mates.

Both are winners over the 710 metres and will get another shot at the staying trip after this week.

"I don't know whether Techno Hornet will be an improver over the 710, but I think Big Boy Bruce has a future there, we've been watching his run homes closely and I think he could make significant improvement," she said.

"We'll put both of them in the Dashing Corsair (series) and if they go alright in that they probably earn a chance in the Queensland Cup."