Looking for that next star

Western New South Wales harness racing trainer Chris Frisby has a reputation for being able to pick out the qualities in a yearling.

Of course, his greatest claim to fame in that regard was when he chose Our Uncle Sam at a Bathurst yearling sale, a youngster that many other buyers chose to overlook.

Harness racing in New South Wales is about to move into full swing with its two-year-old season and Frisby again appears poised to be a force to be reckoned with after producing Our Sunset Delight for an impressive first-up win at Bathurst last week.

Driven by Chris’ son Anthony, the Art Major colt did it ‘the tradesman’s way’, racing outside the leader for most of the 1730m trip before coasting down to the line to score a comprehensive victory in a mile rate of 1:59.2.

“He is a real professional this bloke,” said Anthony Frisby.

“When I asked him for an effort down the back, he just felt so good and put his opposition away comfortably.

“That was pleasing given that he did all the hard yards in the run.

“And I guess we ticked a few boxes with him moving forward.

“At home he had only trialled on the back of other horses before sprinting home over the latter part of the workout.

“But it was good to see him show his versatility under race conditions.”

Engaged to have his second run at Bathurst this evening, Our Sunset Delight will vie for favouritism in the Sky Racing Active 2yo Pace (Race 8), and Team Frisby will be hoping for another good performance from the colt as they aim towards the upcoming Gold Crown Series.

“Being born-and-bred locals, we always aspire to win the Gold Crown and dad and co-owner Reg Morris are keen to have Our Sunset Delight spot-on for a crack at next month’s Group 1 feature,” said Anthony.

It could be a successful night for the Frisbys as they will line up in Race 3 with short-priced favourite, Uncle Miki.

The gelding is coming off a last start third behind My Ultimate Baxter in the Simpson Memorial at Tabcorp Park Menangle on January 29.

Last season, Uncle Miki won six races from 14 outings and was also placed four times, which included a third placing in the Sapling Stakes behind Mister Rea and Smaltese.

To view the field for Bathurst on Wednesday night click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW