Racing: Results will show if team talk worked

By MICHAEL GUERIN in Perth

Lance Justice strolled out into the searing Perth heat yesterday, sat down in front of Sokyola and tried to be inspiring.

On the surface that is what the pair will need to win tomorrow night's A$500,000 Interdominion Pacing Final at Gloucester Park - inspiration.

They are the only one of the five favourites to draw the second line, robbing Sokyola of his greatest weapon - his explosive gate speed.

So, as much for himself as for the horse, Justice decided to do his homework and then produce a teamtalk.

"I had a big motivational day to get us in the mood," said Justice.

"I went out and saw Soky and reminded him what we have done together."

Justice informed Sokyola he has finished in front of Mister D G eight times in their 11 clashes.

Sokyola has met local hero The Falcon Strike only twice for two wins, and he has beaten Jofess in their only clash.

And he has beaten Double Identity five times in six meetings.

So did those starting statistics make an impression on the plain chestnut?

"Not really, he just stood there and looked at me.

"I think he thought I was mad. Maybe I am.

"Then again, I think he realises he has beaten all those horses before and was maybe just being arrogant."

While all this may make Justice sound like a cross between a nutter and the Horse Whisperer there is method in his madness.

Because he needed to convince himself he has the horse capable of overcoming tomorrow night's draw.

If the the race develops into the war some expect then Sokyola can still win coming from behind but that will require patience and self-belief from Justice.

If he gets a rush of blood to the head he could get trapped wide, which is not where Interdominion finals are won from.

One plus for the Victorian pair is they should be handling the rigours of the series better then most because they will be used to it.

Sokyola has not had a proper spell from racing in over a year, racing 33 times since last March.

During that time he has won 20 races, including the Miracle Mile, and has raced in five states.

But he is anything but tired.

"I think he is perfect at the moment, at least as good as when he won the Miracle Mile," said Justice.

Justice blames himself for the first night defeat which at one stage jeopardised Sokyola's carnival.

"He had a few problems leading up to the series but I went light on him going into the race because, to be honest, I thought all the local horses he was racing were useless. I had watched them the week before and underestimated them but they are better and tougher than I thought.

"Then I came out and butchered him with my drive in that first heat so it was my fault rather than his."

Sokyola has improved with each run and easily disposed of The Falcon Strike after leading in their 2544m heat last Friday. Whether he can do so again tomorrow night may depend on luck, the tempo of the race and Justice's self-belief.

But there will be no shortage of motivation.