By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
A pair of Paul Nairn’s trotters will have their final hit-out at Addington Raceway on Friday ahead of the IRT Harness Jewels at Cambridge Raceway next week.
Outamyway and Andoverlov have qualified for the Gr.1 Mitre 10 3YO Ruby (1609m) and Gr.1 Garrard’s Horse & Hound 4YO Ruby (1609m) respectively, and Nairn is keen to give them one last pipe-opener before heading north.
Outamyway will be out to continue their rich vein of form in the Mico Plumbing Handicap Trot (2600m) where he will be vying to record his fourth successive win.
The son of Love You was brave when holding on to win the Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 1 – 3YO Final (1980m) at Addington last week by a nose over fellow Jewels contender Regal Attire.
Nairn admitted to feeling slightly nervous in the closing stages of the race, but he was pleased his charge was able to hold on to win.
“It worked out nice for him when he got the front,” he said. “I was a bit concerned the other horse (Regal Attire) might outsprint him, but to the horse’s credit he really dug deep and managed to hold on.
“It’s good to have him in good form going into a big race like the Jewels, and to be able to show a nice turn of foot, he might need that in a mile.”
Outamyway will be joined in Friday’s race by stablemate Andoverlov.
The four-year-old son of Andover Hall ran home well for third in his 1980m contest at Addington last Friday after being held up at the top of the straight.
“I was pleased to see him running on,” Nairn said. “Sometimes in the past he has been guilty of not finding the line, but he has got a bit stronger and that has made a bit of a difference.
“He has got a good temperament, nothing much seems to worry him.”
TAB bookmakers have installed Outamyway a $4.60 second favourite for Friday’s race behind Majestic Lavros ($2.50), while Andoverlov has been marked a $6.50 winning chance.
Nairn will also be represented by Full Of Hope in the Dux Industries Trot (2600m).
“She has come through her last run really well, I am quite happy with her. I think she will be a good chance,” he said.
Nairn will head north with his Jewels contenders on Sunday and he is hoping the weather will improve for the ferry crossing.
“I am on the boat on Sunday night, but looking at the weather forecast there is a bit of rough weather coming, which is a wee bit of a concern, but hopefully we can get across,” he said.
Nairn boasts a strong record in the Jewels, particularly in the 4YO Ruby, which he has won two of the last three editions, with Wilma’s Mate in 2017 and Habibi Inta in 2018. He also won the inaugural race in 2007 with Stig.
The Leeston trainer also won the 2YO Ruby in 2013 with One Over Da Moon.
He said he is looking forward to next Saturday where he has his fingers crossed for good draws.
“Hopefully we can have them right on the day, a lot can happen between now and then, but hopefully we will be right there and in with a good chance.”