Harness racing: Hobby trainer Jason Cook savouring every chance with comeback pacer My Blue Heeler

The six-year-old, which will contest race one, won at the track last Friday night and on Monday, taking his career tally to six.

Cook had My Blue Heeler as a foal and broke him in before owner Athol Lange took him to Queensland. After only two starts, he bowed a tendon then spent the next 18 months in a paddock.

When offered, Cook gladly took the horse back, even paying the transport costs.

"I got him up and going and he won within his first four starts for me, then he bowed a tendon again," Cook said. "He's bowed a tendon three times and I've got him back each time. It could go again tomorrow but whether he's racing or not, he's always going to be my mate. Once retired, he's going to live his life out with me."

Cook said he faced a tougher task on Friday against the likes of Yoha and The Tiger Army. Race one of eight starts at 5.14pm.

"It's a harder race because Yoha is in it, he's a good horse from New Zealand, and Corporal Jujon has won its past two as well," he said.

"He's going to have to be at his best but he's the type of horse that can sit in the death and run even sectionals, and take the sprint out of the other horses. But he can sit back and still win if the speed is on as well."

Glenn Bull again has the drive on My Blue Heeler, which has gate five.

Cessnock reinsman Blake Hughes has six drives on the program as he looks for two wins to reach 100 for the season statewide.

Hughes is also level with Tom Ison in the Newcastle premiership with five meetings remaining.