Frankie Major, centre, staves off late runs from Nelson’s Boy, widest, Louezyana and Mhai Surfer Girl, markers. PHOTO: Race Images.
Frankie Major’s high speed and stamina impresses Zachary and Ray at Auckland
By Barry Lichter • 20 October 2023
He’s gone faster in the past but trainer Ray Green had no hesitation in labelling Frankie Major’s win at Auckland on Thursday night as his career best.
And so fast did the Art Major colt sprint down the back straight that he earned high praise too from driver Zachary Butcher.
Butcher was near the tail of the field when he lit the fuse 600 metres out on Frankie Major and by the time the field hit the 400 metre peg he was in front, still three wide, and still firing.
“He was tired at the top of the straight but he put his ears back and tried his arse off,” Butcher said.
“Not many could have held on after what he did. They were walking early and I thought I might be in a bit of trouble. But he has a lot of high speed.”
Green was impressed most by Frankie Major’s ability to sustain that high speed for so long.
“He’s always had high speed but he’s never been able to sustain such a long run. To his credit he dug in and got the job done. That was the best run I’ve seen from him.”
Despite being reined up turning for home, Frankie Major held a comfortable three-quarter length margin at the line, Nelson’s Boy and then Mhai Surfer Girl taking a little ground off him late.
His time of 2:45.3 was 3.2 seconds slower than he clocked in winning at Cambridge in late September with the closing sectionals significantly faster at 56 and 27.3.
Green said a stronger Frankie Major was now building on the early promise he showed when competing against the best of his age.
The win, Frankie Major’s fifth, bosted his bankroll to $72,018 and continued a hot run for Butcher who after recent three and four-win bags now lies sixth on the drivers’ premiership with 49 wins, just one shy of fourth place.
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Fergie tips
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 1: What’s Up The Hill
4.14pm
“That was a big improvement on Sunday and I thought he’d won. I suggested they put a loose headcheck on him after his last start and that definitely helped. He’ll be a chance again on Tuesday, as long as he backs up, and he seemed pretty relaxed after the race.”
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
4.39pm
“Blinkers go on this time and, from one, it looks to be his best chance. I’ll be coming out fast and trying to lead and the way he felt on the first day, and with the make-up of the field, I think he can. It’s taken a few runs to get him sharper this time in, he’s been a bit lacklustre, but he’s ready to go now.”
Race 4: Onyx Shard
5.29pm
“She might have run only fourth on the first day but went massive really. If she can just be one place closer in the running, she would go close.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Sugar Ray Lincoln
4.38pm
“He’s trained on well and on his best form, he’d be hard to beat. But I don’t know what to expect from him, he’s a hard horse to read.”
Race 1: Im Not The Maid
4.38pm
“She can’t win. She’s only in the race because there’s nowhere else to go at the moment. She’s in a very unfair spot in the ratings.”
Race 5: Lincoln La Moose
6.53pm
“He’s very honest and from one he’ll get a nice trip, which will help, but he’s really just going round to lose rating points.”
Race 10: Lincoln Linda
9.24pm
“On her speed alone she has to be a chance. We’ve got her geared up so she’s not trying to kill herself any more. We’re using a different bit which gives the driver more control over her and she’s submitted to it well in training.”
Race 10: Angelic Copy
9.24pm
“She had a minor tie-up earlier in the week but I’m not too worried as she’s bouncing around today. We get her blood test back on Thursday, and we won’t risk her if she’s not right, but if she lines up, she’ll race pretty well. She’s a proper little racehorse and you can’t fault what she’s done.”
