The seven-year-old gelding enjoyed a fine run of form midway through last year when winning at Menangle and finishing second at Newcastle and Penrith but things haven’t been so successful lately.

Pay’s charge hasn’t finished better than fifth in his past seven starts and on Wednesday night will line up from gate five in the Alabar Pace (1660m).

The chances of Curls Toby, who has seven wins and 12 placings from 50 career starts, are boosted somewhat by the fact leading driver Mat Rue will be in the gig.

In terms of other chances in the race, the Mitch Turnbull-driven Homestead Lad appears to be a danger.

The gelding has had three starts this preparation and has won all three, including victory last time out at Parkes.

Dubbo driver Nathan Carroll will be in the gig of Nathan Turnbull’s Brocks Under Fire, who won last time out at Dubbo.

Brocks Under Fire has been a solid performer in recent times and has finished in the first three five times in his past eight starts.

The Alabar Pace is the only race in which Pay has a hope, while Carrolls Nathan and Michael and James Sutton are Dubbo’s other chances at the meeting.

Nathan Carroll will have guts in the Modern Art Pace (1660m) and will feel confident about his chances after having scored two wins and two seconds in his past five starts.

Racing starts at 6.02pm.