Debutante ready to shine

AN ALMOST identical field as the first will contest the second heat of the Two-Year-Old Trotters’ Foundation Series at Club Menangle today.

Consisting purely of debutantes, last week’s qualifier was captured by Im Frankee in 2:01.5 over a mile.

Trained by astute Queensland horseman Graeme Dwyer, Im Frankee was beaten for speed from the pole before working to the lead after the first 500 metres.

Providing reinsman Cameron Hart with an armchair drive, the son of Southwind Frank cruised to a three-and-a-half metre win from Chief Kenny.

Majaro Girl, which led from gate four, was a metre-and-a-half away third.

Im Frankee is the only runner from the opening qualifier missing this time around, with another debutante, Sumthin Different, fill the ‘gap’.

An exceptionally-bred squaregaiter, Sumthin Different is by French stallion Love You from triple Group One winner Shes An Image.

Shes An Image’s top shelf victories include the 2012 New South Wales Trotters’ Oaks at Club Menangle.

Shes An Image boasts a perfect record from five foals, with Sumthin Different her sixth offering.

Prepared by prominent trainer Anton Golino, Sumthin Different will begin from barrier four with Michael Stanley in the cart.

Winner of his first trial on March 25, Sumthin Different was an eye-catching fifth during a trail against older company a fortnight ago.

“He’s coming along nicely,” Golino said. “He’s still very green and learning, but shows a bit of promise.

“Obviously he needs the experience, but he should acquit himself well.

“Whatever he does this week, he will certainly improve on.”

Golino will also be represented by Majaro Girl, which has drawn wider in barrier six this time around.

Jye Coney will once again partner the daughter of Majestic Son, which is expected to use her gate speed in search of a forward position.

“I was very happy with her first run,” Golino said. “The way she came out of the gate was impressive and she kept chasing the whole way.

“Her work has picked up since and there is no reason why she shouldn’t go just as well.”

Despite being the widest drawn in barrier eight, Chief Kenny remains the one to beat for trainer KerryAnn Morris and her reinsman-husband, Robbie.

Morris trained the colt’s dam, Princess Kenny, to win a Three-Year-Old Trotters’ Foundation Series heat at Club Menangle in 2019.

“Chief Kenny put in a solid run last week and no doubt KerryAnn and Robbie will have him sharper again this week,” Golino said.

Golino then has Almighty Fear in the following race, with the former New Zealander facing a difficult task from barrier nine over 2300 metres.

Unplaced as a $71 shot during his first two starts for Golino, the son of Father Patrick is among the outsiders again.

Despite drawing barrier 10 due to her Outside of the Draw in a Mobile status, Victorian raider The Priestess is the one to beat.

Co-trained by Marg and her son Paddy Lee, The Priestess has won her last two starts in effortless fashion.