New Zealand trainer Graeme Boyd says the in-form Ginga Dude won't lead when he tackles 2400 metres for the first time in Saturday's Group Two Sandown Classic.Boyd, based on the North Island at Kaipaki, said that while Ginga Dude has led in his two starts in Melbourne this spring it was not his usual racing style.The Istidaad seven-year-old, ridden by Michael Walker on both occasions, was left in front when he impressively won the Group Three David Jones Cup (2000m) on Caulfield Cup day.He again

New Zealand trainer Graeme Boyd says the in-form Ginga Dude won't lead when he tackles 2400 metres for the first time in Saturday's Group Two Sandown Classic.

Boyd, based on the North Island at Kaipaki, said that while Ginga Dude has led in his two starts in Melbourne this spring it was not his usual racing style.

The Istidaad seven-year-old, ridden by Michael Walker on both occasions, was left in front when he impressively won the Group Three David Jones Cup (2000m) on Caulfield Cup day.

He again made the pace when a gallant third to dual Cox Plate winner So You Think in the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Derby Day.

"He hasn't led before, he's only done that in his two runs here," Boyd said.

"He definitely won't lead. I'd say he'd be somewhere midfield."

Ginga Dude has not raced beyond 2200m but Boyd is confident he will handle the trip.

"That's something we don't really know but he settles so well in his races," he said.

"I think he will run the 2400, I really do."

Champion Kiwi jockey Walker, now based in Melbourne, won the Group Two Avondale Cup (2200m) aboard the gelding last December and retains the ride on Saturday.

Boyd can hardly believe how Ginga Dude has thrived since arriving at the training property of Bevan and Richard Laming at Clyde near Cranbourne.

"He's done so well since he's been over here I can't believe it. He's eating better, everything is so good," Boyd told radio station Sport 927.

"The facility here at the Lamings is outstanding. I mean horses have to do well out here, there's everything you need.

"I'm very pleased with the horse, he's doing extremely well but if I've got a complaint it's he's doing too well.

"I was a little bit easy on him after the Mackinnon and I think he might have got away from me a little bit.

"But he's very, very well and very, very fit. He doesn't take a lot of work."

Boyd said that he put off bringing Ginga Dude to Melbourne last year.

"We weren't sure that he was good enough. We have a fair few critics over there (in New Zealand) but I probably should have brought him last year," he said.

"But hopefully we can come back again next year now that we've found out we're up to the standard over here."

Zipping, going for his fourth straight Sandown Classic victory, heads the 15 entries for the weight-for-age feature.

A decision on whether the Danehill nine-year-old takes his place in the race will be made on Wednesday.

Zipping came from a long way back to finish fourth to Americain in the Melbourne Cup at his last start.