The 73-year-old from Haddon is the man behind Chief Safari, a veteran that reached the six-figure mark in earnings with his victory at Maryborough on May 31.

Hill bred the son of Safari using his mare Podium Princess, and after stints with Michael Stanley and Emma Stewart early in his career, the hobby horseman eventually decided to take the plunge and do the training himself.

In all, Hill has prepared his mate for all but 16 of his 133 starts - he also had a short time with Michael Munro - and knows him better than anyone.

Hill has had his health battles over the years, but still takes the bay gelding to nearby Bray Raceway in Ballarat just about every day for morning work, and it's a routine that both horse and trainer enjoy.

"He hasn't had many holidays, I'll give you the mail. He's probably had a couple of weeks off here and there," Hill said.

"The old fella is still going around and someone said to me: 'how many years left have you got in him?' Hopefully he's got two or three. He's tough as nails.

"You have your heartaches and you have you good times when your horse is going well."

The nine-year-old will go in search of his 19th victory when he steps out on Friday night at Geelong in the Jack Rabbit Winery Pace (2100m).

He will have to come up against the in-form Blue Chip Delight (Anthony Butt/Sonya Smith) who looks set to run a well-fancied favourite, but after winning his last two races while leading, a front row draw looks favourable for Chief Safari.

Jason Lee has been in the sulky for the horse's last three starts and with Hill full of praise for his driving efforts so far, he's trusted to take the reins once again.

"People have got to be lucky with horses. They go and spend big money and the big syndicates, they buy the best ones, but I'm glad I bred this bloke and I could never give him away," Hill said.