After going so close last start Nikita Burton is hoping to go one better at Addington on Tuesday evening.

The 18-year-old went within a neck of victory at Motukarara on February 16 when the Nigel Perkins-trained Ultimate Counsel just got beaten by Archie.

“Up the straight I got to the front but Ricky (May) fought back, but it was still a really good feeling,” says Burton.

It was just her ninth race day drive.

“The adrenaline rush is unreal.”

Burton and the He’s Watching six-year-old will line up again at Addington on Tuesday in Race 8, the Gold Band Taxis at 7.46pm.

Noted for his fast beginnings from a stand Ultimate Counsel will start from eight.

“He’s drawn a bit wide but hopefully he’ll step and get handy.”

In the early markets Ultimate Counsel, the winner of one from 37 starts, is at $9, with the two $3.20 favourites being Moet Shard and Eastwood Dream.

Nikita Burton’s always been around horses and racing. Her father Neil is a long-time hobby trainer and driver from Mid Canterbury who’s been driving and training winners since the mid 1980s.

Nikita Burton has worked at Stonewall for just over a year now. She worked for the powerful stable at Swannanoa in North Canterbury during the holidays before being offered a fulltime gig at their new complex in Weedons. She also lives on-site.

“I’m absolutely loving it, I’m very grateful.”

“Tim (Williams) has been a great help teaching me the ropes and Mandy (Telfer) has been a great support too.”

As for future goals Burton’s one is pretty obvious.

“I just want to keep learning, and drive a winner!”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk