by Matt Markham
A familiar face has returned to the Woodend Beach stable of Robert and John Dunn. And they’re pretty happy about it too.
Former New Zealand Trotting Cup runner-up, Franco Nelson, is back in the care of his previous trainers and kicks off a quick-fire campaign for next weekend’s Easter Cup tonight at Addington.
Last produced in Australia where he was trained by Anthony and then Tim Butt, Franco Nelson’s career in the past 18 months has been tumultuous at best.
He battled with injury and other little niggles but produced an incredible performance to finish fourth in the New Zealand Cup behind Arden Rooney back in November despite having really only had the one trial in preparation for the race.
Below par runs have followed since though and the decision by Clive and Rona McKay, along with their daughter Sharon, to send him back to the Dunn’s might just be the last ditch effort to get the Group One winning pacer back to his best form.
It’s a perfect scenario for Franco Nelson to resume in tonight.
He finds himself up against a small field of pacers numbering just five in total and two of whom are his stable mates. Dunn isn’t getting too far ahead of himself though.
“We are going to know a lot more about things after this week,” he said.
“But it’s exciting to have him back in the stable that’s for sure.”
Donegal Jimmy Dave, Valor Lustre, Mighty Flying Mac and Belkmyster make up the remainder of the field in the event.
Mighty Flying Mac is a recent addition to the stable too having done all his racing from the barn of Cran Dalgety.
The Hannon Memorial winner of this season has been down on form and his arrival at the beach is a direct effort to get him back rejuvenated and enjoying racing.
After being comfortable leaders of the national premiership heading into last weekend’s racing, the Dunn team now find themselves two wins in arrears of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen.
The All Stars managed to pick up eight wins in two days to rocket themselves back to the front of the pack but with no horses racing this weekend opposed to the Dunn’s 17 strong team there is scope for the lead to change once more.
They’ve got horses at Manawatu this afternoon, Addington tonight and Methven on Sunday and hold strong winning chances at all three venues.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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