Negotiator Firing Ahead Of Hobart Assignment

PROMISING youngster Negotiator only needs to run up to his solid second last Thursday to land the eighth event tonight at Hobart.

That's according to his trainer Jason Barwick who says the son of Fernando Bale couldn't be any better for tonight's 461 metre assignment.

"I can't fault him, he's fit, sound and his coat's shining," Barwick said.

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"Looking at tonight's race there's not a lot of speed drawn on his outside which helps. If he runs the splits he did last week he should lead and be hard to beat. But even if he doesn't lead, provided he gets to the fence at the first corner he'll run a race."

Negotiator, a son of Fernando Bale and Ainsley Bale, has had nine starts for Barwick for the one win and four minor placings.

"He's been in the top four at each of his starts so he's earned a cheque every time he's raced, you can't ask for more than that," Barwick offered.

"He's only a little dog – around 28 kilos – but he's improving all the time."

Last Thursday, Negotiator finished a terrific second to the talented Casino Ace in a slashing 25.88 over the 461 metre journey, the well-bred type running a slick 26.11 himself.

"I was a bit surprised he even ran that time last week so he's heading the right way," Barwick added.

Betting for tonight's eighth event has Negotiator the slight $2.65 favourite from his box five draw ahead of Bobby Lava (box 1) and Ryan Keeping (box 4) at $3.10 apiece.

And while Barwick will line-up the favourite in race eight it's a very different story in the race prior where Shanlyn Shiraz takes his place as one of the outsiders from box seven.

"Not bad for a $500 purchase – I was in the right place at the right time," Barwick said of the last start winner.

"He got a ticket in Melbourne before he moved to Tassie and then he got another one here before I got him. He's only missed a cheque for me once or twice so he's been a good little buy.

"I know he's big odds tonight but he's not without a chance. He should lead and from there it's just in his head what he does.

"He loves running beside other dogs so it's really just whether he puts his head out at the right time on the line – which he did last week."