Beach Flybye out to make it three straight

Beach Flybye (Downbytheseaside) faces the toughest test of his winter harness racing campaign at Addington on Friday night and driver Tim Williams thinks he is up to it.

The Stonewall Stud pacer will be out to make it three-from-three this time in when he steps up in grade to race hardy types in race 7. He’s currently a $1.90 favourite.

With a new harness racing calendar year and the spring and summer loaded with age group features, most talented three-year-olds are yet to return to the track.

But Beach Flybye is racing now so he can be ready for those bigger targets.

“He came down with a reputation after winning a Sires Stakes heat first up.”

“He’s here to race through the winter to get a bit of ringcraft with a view to the bigger races like the (New Zealand) Derby later on in the season.”

The three-year-old has put away two lower grade fields in grand style in his two wins since landing in the southern arm of the Stonewall Stud operation.

The times and sectionals the pacer has cut out in those wins give Williams hope he will measure up against his rivals on Friday night.

“He is one of the lowest rated horses in the race and it is a sharp step up in grade.”

“He has had things his own way lately and while it looks like he’s got a great draw (1) it is a different ballgame racing those older season horses.”

“But he has handled himself very well in his last two starts.”

“And the time he ran in his last race would suggest he should be pretty competitive.”

The hardy types Beach Flybye takes on include American Me, Lifes A Beach and Sweet Belle.

Stonewall Stud starts one more runner at Addington on Friday night in Jubilee Rock in race 9.

The filly raced fiercely in her last start and it is hoped gear changes will help her produce an improved performance.

Make My Sundon looks the pick of Williams’ outside drives at Addington on Friday night.

The ultra-consistent mare takes on an even field in race 3.

“You know what you are going to get with her,” Williams said.

“It looks a field that is within her reach and hopefully she should go another good race.”

Tanganyika looks next best among Williams’ drives though the pacer must overcome a tough draw in race 1.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand