30 May 2024 | Tim Walker
Trainer Jemma Hayman admits she’s excited to unveil New Zealand import Frankie Major in tomorrow’s Retravision, Everyday’s A Sale Pace (2503m) at Gloucester Park.
The four-year-old is set to do battle with fellow Perth debutant Montana D J, in what promises to be one of the highlights on the Gloucester Park card.
Frankie Major has competed against talented New Zealand pacers like Self Assured and Mach Shard across his 39 starts, which has resulted in six wins and 12 placings.
Hayman said she was confident Frankie Major would make his presence felt in Perth, but expected he would take a few starts to adapt to racing here.
“His trials were good, but there wasn’t much to test him against,” Hayman told The Trots WA.
“He’s a very casual customer.
“I don’t think we will see what he’s truly capable of until he’s in a racing scenario.
“It will probably take a couple of runs before we start to see him at his very best.
“He ran some nice races in New Zealand and was competing against the best of his grade over there.”
Frankie Major will start on the front line alongside Montana D J in the standing start event, which also features Bellissimo Acquisto and Carana.
The son of Art Major is set to be aimed the York Cup at Northam next month.
Hayman said Frankie Major reminded her of Perfect Major, another son of Art Major she trains.
“He reminds us a lot of Perfect Major in his mannerisms and his heart rate is always low,” she said.
“He’s still a bull and only does what he needs to do, but the way he stretches and goes about his business is pleasing.
“He’s a nice one for Merv and Meg Butterworth to have.”
Meanwhile, Hayman has Perfect Major edging closer to a return to racing after more than a year away.
The eight-year-old has been sidelined with a suspensory issue, but Hayman said there were encouraging signs.
“He’s coming along, but is just taking some time,” she said.
“He just has a few niggles like older horses do.
“We will look after him and do the right thing.
“We will let him take every step slowly and make sure he comes through each trial and trackwork well.”
Tomorrow’s Gloucester Park meeting gets underway at 4.07pm.
Tim Walker
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