Duley and Didn’t Di go for winning double at Addington today

[Wandering Eyes]

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk  

As an owner and the driver of Didn’t Di, Tayla Duley will have everything crossed at Addington today.

The Matt Purvis-trained Majestic Son gelding has drawn one in Race 2, the Syncroflex Ha Complete Trot (4.48pm) where he is a $2.60 second favourite after his last start win on the grass at Reefton on March 8.

“I have no doubt he can win but it’s how we get away, “says Duley,”I hope he’ll be alright with the tape right next to him.”

“He’s very slow away as he’s still learning but hopefully he gets a nice sit in the trail.”

Duley acquired him, along with a friend, off gavelhouse in January for $1300. That has been more than recouped already with the Reefton victory.

At Reefton, in what was just his second start since changing hands, Didn’t Di was safely away before going up four wide at around the 700. They then sat parked before pressing on around the home turn to win by just over a length.

The gelding was bred by Phil Williamson who had two placings with him before he headed to Earl Swain in Southland.

Duley says gear changes since then have been critical in turning him around.

“He had blinds, a murphy and a pole and no boots …. we took all those off and puts some boots on and he improved heaps,” says Duley.

Duley works in the office at Majestic Horse Floats in Christchurch though does drive on the beach for Purvis at the weekends, after previously working for him for 14 months.

She has had four career driving wins from 67 starts including two this year, with Didn’t Di and the Purvis-trained Don Juan at Rangiora.

She’s hopeful, with a safe getaway, that Didn’t Di can go back to back.  

“I went out to Purv’s on Saturday and worked him there and he was super.”
 
To see the field for race 2 click here

The eight race midweek meeting at Addington gets underway at 4.13pm.

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