McIntyre influential in Born To Boogie’s debut win

CHRISTCHURCH: Born To Boogie’s win on debut at Ascot Park came courtesy of one of Southern harness racing’s good guys.

Bred by Macca Lodge, the filly by Rock N Roll Heaven from Niftey Franco was purchased by Butterworth Bloodstock for $17,000 at the 2016 premier sale.

However, following a few issues during her early preparations, her new owner chose to offer her back to the vendor as a breeding prospect.

‘‘I just threw her in the paddock,’’ Macca Lodge studmaster Brent McIntyre said.

‘‘Then, at Christmas time, she was looking all right and I started jogging her.’’

After about three months, McIntyre said the 3yrold was running satisfactory times and showing no ill effects so he recommended to Merv Butter worth she was worth trying again.

Born To Boogie joined up with Butterworth’s southern trainer, Brett Gray, and has continued to impress him.

‘‘She’s a lovely horse and everyone’s pretty happy,’’ Gray said.

‘‘Merv is really grateful for what Brent did. We all hope she holds together.’’

Born To Boogie is a halfsister to Glenferrie Hood by Christian Cullen. As well as winning 29 races in Australia, including multiple group races, Glenferrie Hood also ran third in the 2013 West Australia Derby.

Nevermore, third dam of the pair, counted the 1993 sires’ stakes final for 2yrold fillies among her seven wins.

The win of Born To Boogie was Gray’s 31st for the season, his best tally and four clear of Phil Williamson for trainers south of the Waitaki.

Gray moved to 32 when Pay Me The Change won later in the day. Brent Barclay has driven 23 of those winners.

Gray said his two runners from Saturday’s Jewels, Smokey Mac (eighth) and Full Noise (second), were coming home for spells.

Because the sevenwin 4yrold Smokey Mac has effectively won his way out of Southland class, Gray advised that after his spell he will join Phil Williamson’s team. Not so Full Noise.

‘‘I won’t be letting him out of my sight for while,’’ he said.

Nathan Williamson made a winning return to the sulky when reining Canardly Remember to victory.

It was his first day back since breaking a bone in his right foot in April.

Williamson, who drove in nine of the 10 races, also had five from his stable in, but went without a win.

‘‘I’ve got 14 in work but half of them are just back in for a new preparation,’’ he said.

Yesterday’s feature pace, the Bluff Cup, was won by Vintage Cheddar, driven by Brad Williamson.

Trouble Giero claimed yesterday’s feature trot. — NZ Harness News/additional reporting Jonny Turner