John Morrison - Photo supplied.He had a challenge in front of him, but Johnny Morrison was up to the task.

Heading down to Invercargill yesterday morning, Morrison knew his job, the hard part was always going to be achieving it.

He’d watched Dylan Ferguson drive a winner on Wednesday night at Alexandra Park to draw level with him on the New Zealand Junior Drivers’ premiership.

It meant, drive a winner yesterday, or face heading to Addington tonight, needing a win with two rough chances.

The day didn’t start too well.

Two unplaced runs in the first two races, before he looked home on Rydgemont Milly only for the horse on the inside to boot back up and beat him.

Then he gave Racing Minister every possible opportunity, only for it to find nothing in the straight.

At that point that task looked tough, but a peach of a steer on Miss Impression late in the day saw Morrison salute and move one clear of Ferguson with 34 wins for the season.

There’s still racing at Addington tonight to come, but Ferguson is done for the season, and Ben Hope, who is on 30 winners for the term, would need to drive four winners tonight just to draw level, while Sheree Tomlinson would need to pick up an unlikely five wins.

So, Morrison – barring a miracle is home, and can reasonably safely lay claim to his second New Zealand title.

© The Ashburton Guardian - 30 July 2020