The 5yr-old was a gutsy winner at the Forbury Park trials yesterday, seeing off the passing-lane run of last-start winner Washington's Flier to triumph in the one-win heat by two lengths in 2.54.3.
Dance, who trained the gelding to his maiden win at Ascot Park in April 2012, said Never Eyre had the misfortune to chase some quick mares over the summer, which took the wind out of his sails.
''We went to Roxburgh for a trial up there [on December 20], and he ran third [behind 2012 Harness Jewels winner Pembrook's Delight],'' Dance said.
''They went about eight seconds under the track record, and he went five seconds under the track record.
''The next start [nine days later] was down south where Hannah Jaye went 2.54 for a mile and a-half and it knocked the stuffing out of him.''
Never Eyre's campaign this season started off slowly as well, Dance said.
''Just when I was getting him ready for the workouts two or three months ago, he got a stone bruise and that held me up.
''Hopefully, we're on the right track. We'll wait and see how he gets over this run first, but we'll probably another trial first [before a race].
Armori worked her way off the unruly mark with a tidy performance in front in the one-win trot over 2200m. The mare had to deal with strong winds and steady rain during her heat, and got a little tired in the straight, but was well clear of Beat The Rhythm, winning by three lengths.
Her trainer, Graeme McLay, of Brighton, said she will start in the 3200m trot at the Tuapeka club's meeting at Forbury Park on October 27.
''The only worry is the two miles,'' McLay said.
''But I have been working her down the beach which is almost 3km long.''
