Two first starters for Andrew Stuart at Addington today

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

The corks will be popping if Loburn trainer Andrew Stuart can get one of his first starters home at Addington today.

Shompanya, named after the world's most famous bubbles, will debut in Race 1, the Aotea Electric Mobile Trot (4.32pm).

"He has taken a fair bit of time but if he does everything right he'd give a good account."

The Love You 4YO gelding has been in mixed form at the trials. He was second to Radiant at Rangiora on September 17, only to gallop at the same venue last week (Sept 29).

"At the point of the bend he just got unbalanced. He's still a bit green and is 12 months away really."

He's currently a $4 equal favourite.

"He's got a good group of owners with (trainer) Stephen Marsh, (jockey) Jonathan Riddell and all the galloping boys - Adrian Stanley and the like."

Another debutant for the stable is Boatmans Call, part-owned by Stuart himself, in Race 2, the Avon City Ford Mobile Pace (5.00pm).

"We thought a 4YO mobile might suit him but we will know more after the race."

He led before weakening to fourth of four at his trial last week.

"He was a run short and blew out the last bit."

The country's top driver Blair Orange will take the reins with Boatmans Call at $10.

"It would be a surprise if either of them won but we'd take it of course," says Stuart.

In Race 5, the US Captain standing at Wai Eyre Farm Mobile Farm, Stuart lines up what looks to be a good each-way chance in Moonlite CC ($4.80).

A winner of one from 15, the four-year-old mare has drawn the ace for Devon Dolan in the Junior Drivers Race.

"She seems bright and happy," says Stuart, "and her work on Monday was good."

"If she uses her gate speed and stays close to the pace she's a chance."

The day will also feature the latest Heats in the Canterbury Plains Spring Series for 4YO and older R35 Pacers and Trotters.

Melton Magnate (Addington - September 30) and Taumutu Lad (Methven - October 4) have been the pacing heat winners so far while the trotting winner was the John Versteeg-trained and driven Bullet.

A $25,000 Trotting Final will be held at Addington on Friday, October 23, three days before the Pacing Final as part of Ashburton's big Labour Monday meeting.

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