By Adam Hamilton
HIGH-CLASS Kiwi pacer Franco Nelson is moving to Australia.
Trainer Shane Tritton confirmed the son of Christian Cullen would arrive at his Menangle stable on Friday.
“It’s exciting to have a horse of his calibre join the team. I know he’s in the twilight of his career, but he raced in great form last season and has been out for a good break,” he said.
“I’m certainly not thinking he’s joining the stable with retirement just around the corner. Quite the opposite, the handicapping system here is great for extending the careers and creating opportunities for horses like him.
“And I’ve got a good record of rejuvenating older horses like him if you take a like through Mach Beauty, Suave Stuey Lombo and others.”
Tritton said the McKay clan, majority owners of Franco Nelson, initiated the move.
“The McKays had horses with my Dad (Peter) and have sent me one already. They have said for a while they are keen to support me,” he said.
Franco Nelson hasn’t raced since a second to Addington on May 12 when trained by Robert and John Dunn.
He’s battled injuries through his career, but still managed 65 starts for 18 wins, 22 placings and earned $758,127.
“He ran some great races last season, including that unlucky fifth in the Inter Dominion final,” Tritton said.
“He’s been out spelling so we are getting him from scratch. The aim is to have him back and primed for the Miracle Mile Carnival.”
In other stable news, Tritton is focused on a Perth Inter Dominion raid with the speedy Yayas Hot Spot.
“I want to time-trial him at Penrith this Thursday night then I think we will go first-up into the Smoken Up (Melton, October 6) then the Victoria Cup (October 14),” he said. “Then it’s onto Perth where he will love the tight track.
Tritton’s star four-year-old of last season Salty Robyn is recovering from surgery following an acute bout of colic.
And his former glamour mare Arms Of An Angel is close to a racetrack return.
“That’s got us all excited. She’s only a month away,” he said.
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