By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
Dual-gaited entire Outamyway will be out to keep his undefeated record as a pacer intact when he contests the FT Dooley Chartered Accountant Kawatiri Cup (2600m) at Rangiora on Sunday.
The son of Love You has won both of his starts as a pacer, both at Westport last year, and Nairn is hoping to keep that trend going at the Westport meeting on Sunday, despite its venue change.
“It is a bit unfortunate not to be racing over there, but they made that decision, and hopefully it all works out,” Nairn said.
Outamyway has been in good form in his subsequent two starts as a trotter, including a third placing behind Bolt For Brilliance in the Gr.2 Lyell Creek Stakes (2200m) at Alexandra Park last month.
Nairn thought a return to the grass and pacing would benefit Outamyway ahead of some feature trotting targets later in the season.
“He is just as happy pacing as he is trotting,” Nairn said. “I think it is good to vary things with him at this stage of his career.
“I thought this race would suit him. I think he has improved a lot in the pacing department, he is pacing a bit better and he has been working well.
“I would still like to think we could have a go at a race like the Rowe Cup later in the season with him.
“A few of those premier meetings we will look at as far as trotting goes.”
While Outamyway is racing in elite trotting company, Nairn said he wouldn’t be surprised if the four-year-old found himself in the higher grades as a pacer as well.
“As far as pacing goes, he is doing well at that so far,” he said.
“He is not in near as tough a grade in pacing as he is trotting, but I think he should go a wee way in pacing, it’s just hard to say how far he will go.
“He seems to stay well, like he does when he trots. It’s just up to the horse really.”
