Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing trio Cheyne Boyd, Michael Phillips and Todd Waters have high hopes heading to the penultimate round of the MX Nationals at Moree following weeks of solid testing and training.

The factory Honda teammates all rate the rural NSW track as a favourite, despite the unique challenges it presents to riders as deep ruts form towards the end of day of racing.

Cheyne Boyd is determined to make his mark before the season closes and hopes his preparation has been sufficient to score an elusive podium finish.

“It’s been pretty wet so we’ve had to travel a fair way to find somewhere different to ride in preparing for this round,” said Boyd.

“I’ve worked to a program where I get the right amount of time on the bike as well as some rest to make sure I’ve got the energy and fitness I need for this weekend.

“I like the Moree track. It’s smaller and jumpier and gets quite rutted. I’m confident it will suit my riding style and the way my bike has been handling.”

The Victorian sits fifth on the Pro Open standings with 436 points, closely followed by teammate Phillips who returned to his native New Zealand to prepare for the event.

“I’ve been working on a bit more intensity this time around. We’ve had three weeks off to build up strength and I’ve spent a lot of the time riding and pitting myself against some of the other New Zealand-based guys to keep my eye in.

“Moree is a challenging track but I enjoy racing there and feel like I can be a factor even if it gets rutted towards the end of the day.

“I really want to be on the podium in these last two rounds and round out the MX Nationals season on a high note.”

Todd Waters has taken a back-to-basics approach to this weekend’s event, returning home to his family’s property in Cairns.

“The weather has been great up north but the main advantage is that training and riding are my full focus all day – I don’t even have to cook!” he said.

“Moree puts on a great race meeting and personally I’ve been able to get a couple of good results there in lead-up events which has me feeling confident.

“I’m just excited to be able to get out there and race – I can feel myself improving every time I am on track.”

Having ridden just 2 of this season’s 7 rounds to date, the recovering Waters is eager to make his way forwards from 17th in the championship.

Two series’ of back-to-back motos will mean a tough and taxing day for the team’s Pro Open competitors.