The 5yr-old Sands A Flyin gelding impressed at Forbury Park on May 2, running a track record of 2.39.8 for the 2200m mobile. Co-trainer Graeme Anderson said the winner of seven races has enjoyed an easy time of it since that win.
''He doesn't take a lot of work,'' Anderson said.
''He's had just a couple of quiet hoppled runs. He worked with Jaccka Justy on Tuesday and they both worked nicely, and they both went up to Christchurch yesterday.''
Addington is one of three venues for Anderson and his training partner, Amber Hoffman, to keep an eye on this weekend, as they have runners engaged at Ascot Park tomorrow and Oamaru on Sunday.
But the Christchurch track could be a litmus test for Ballindooley as he prepares for the grand final of the $150,000 5yr-old pacing geldings and entires' division of the Harness Jewels at Ashburton on June 2 - although the 3200m he faces tonight is a far cry from the mile he will encounter at Ashburton.
''[The 3200m] wouldn't worry him. He's a good follower of speed and he can run good time.
''His standing-start manners have always been good, so he should get a nice position early.''
Rivals in the winter cup include Fly Like An Eagle and likely Jewels combatants Franco Ledger and Samuel James.
''It's the big boys' league now, so it'll be interesting.''
Flyin Armalight's form and barrier draw of 3 gets the nod from Anderson at Ascot Park when she takes on stablemate Arma Courage and other mares in the first heat of the Golden Girls series.
''We're happy with both of them but she will be hard to beat from that draw,'' he said.
''She would almost lead and be hard to pick up.''
Arma Courage has drawn barrier 7, but Anderson expects driver Tim Williams will put the mare into the race at some point.
''She's a staying mare, so she'll like a true pace, and if she hasn't got back, she'll probably go around and put herself in the race.''
Tommy's Song has drawn awkwardly in a one-win 2200m, although his spot at 4 on the second line could work out after he was freshened following his win at Forbury Park on March 28.
''He trialled the other day (finishing third behind Halfmoon Bay) but he's pretty laid-back and doesn't do much unless you ask him to.
''He's got a good chance in that race, but you don't know what is a good draw or a bad draw sometimes.''
Just Rose is likely to head back to Colin and Julie De Filippi's barn after her run at Oamaru on Sunday.
''She went good the other day [for fifth at Forbury Park on May 10]. She had no hope but she ran on really well. But that's her go, she's a good sit and sprint mare.''
