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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Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Lincoln Linda
5.55pm
“She needed the run last week. Even though she galloped in the score-up, her manners are definitely improving as she didn’t pull in the running. She’ll be sharper this week so hopefully she’ll pace away and get the job done. It looks a pretty even field.”
Race 4: Lincoln Lover
7.18pm
“He only battled away last start and Fergie said he wasn’t really on the bit at the back of the field. He’s been racing for a while and might be a bit fatigued. The outside draw doesn’t help either and Soul Artist was very impressive winning last time.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
8.22pm
“She hasn’t got a lot of speed but she tries hard so the best spot for her might be in front, rolling along. That said, her closing sectionals (57.8, 27.9) were the best in the race last time. We couldn’t get one of the Sharpe boys so we’ve had to settle for Frank Phelan. She’s an each-way chance with Andy (Sharpe) the one to beat on Commander Lincoln.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 2: Leo Lincoln
5.21pm
“We’ve thrown him in the deep end, but it was either that or trial. He’s been going OK but he’ll need the run for sure.”
Race 2: Spiritual Bliss
5.21pm
“She won’t be completely out of it, she’s better than people think. The inside second row draw isn’t ideal, and luck will obviously play a part, but I think she’ll be competitive.”
Race 3: Rivergirl Bella
5.57pm
“She was always going to need the run last time as it was her first for a long time. She’ll improve off that. She’s plenty fast enough but needs to get fitter.”
Race 3: Sammy Lincoln
5.57pm
“We found he had a bit of a virus after he last raced so had to ease up on him. He’ll be a little short (on fitness) but his class should carry him through. He is vulnerable with his behaviour at the moment but he’s only got to get round without any silliness and I can’t see how they can beat him.”
Race 4: Johnny Lincoln
6.24pm
“He’s racing super and they’ll know he’s there. He’s trained on well since his Metro Final win. He races tough and at Auckland they have to be tough now.”
