Boyd backs midweek racing with two debutants

Stephen Boyd is turning into a fan of the Wednesday races at Addington.

Today will see the third midweek meeting this month and the West Melton-based trainer is keen to get involved.

“One of ours was going to get turned out but these races are a good idea,” says Boyd.

Boyd will line up two first starters, Altair and That Parable, in a non-winners 2YO Pace (Race 2 – the Bettor’s Delight – Still The Benchmark Mobile Pace – 5.30pm).

“You don’t have to race the Tour Partys and the like and it’s more interesting for the owners than going back to the trials.”

Initially Boyd  had planned for a third runner as well in Captain Crunch filly Foundyou but she was scratched after a fifth at a sodden Timaru last Sunday in a race won convincingly by Hungry Bronnie.

“It was a wet track and she’s only a wee dot,” said Boyd, “it was like running in gumboots!”

“She will now go on holiday for a month.”

Of his pair tonight Boyd says Altair, a Sweet Lou gelding, is the more forward of the two.

“He’s definitely more advanced than the other one.”

Altair also has two other advantages in his favour – the services of the country’s top driver in Blair Orange and the ace draw over 1980 metres.

“He’s no superstar but we will just keep ticking away with him.”

Altair warmed up for his first race with a second in a nine-horse trial at Ashburton last Tuesday and won a five horse workout at Motukarara  10 days before that.

That Parable, a Lazarus gelding, was also seen hitting line well in finishing third at his first and only trial at Ashburton last week.

“That’s the only time he’s been off the place,” says Boyd.

“The race will be a good education for him.”

While both his runners have drawn well, at one and two, Boyd is mindful of some key threats in the race, most notably the Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained Waterfall Bay and Bay Breeze for Team Dalgety.

Bay Breeze opened a $1.65 favourite, with Waterfall Bay at $4 and Altair at $11.

No matter what the result That’s Parable will join Foundyou in the spelling paddock after the race while Altair is likely to have a few more runs including an upcoming 2YO race at Methven on October 11.

And there’s another reason why Boyd likes his Wednesday meetings.

“I’ve only got the two in – I’ll be home by teatime!”

To see the field click click here

by Dave Di Somma for Harness News Desk