French optimistic for Illtellyousumthing’s maiden success

Terry French hopes start 27 can finally be the magical number that his gelding, Illtellyousumthing (Art Major), breaks through for a maiden victory when he scores up in the Mildura Bowls Carnival Maiden Pace on Wednesday night.

The 59-year-old has had the five-year-old for half of his 26 starts since taking over training duties from Alex Ashwood, with French optimistic his boy can break through after four previous seconds and five thirds.

“We are trying and I think we have found a winnable race,“ French said. ”He has got good gate speed, he is a good little honest horse, he lacks a bit of ability, but he is a trier.”

What Illtellyousumthing lacks in wins he makes up for in character and personality according to the Heathcote trainer.

“He is lovely and a beautiful horse and that’s why I have still got him,” he said. “He is friendly and if he is in a mood he will have a buck and carry on if I leave him to last to bring him out.

“He is just a very nice horse to do anything with, he is a very timid horse, but he has settled in pretty good with me.”

It all has French quietly confident Wednesday will be the day his boy finally breaks through.

“Fingers crossed (he can win),” he said. “I think if he can find the lead over the short distance, he has got a big chance.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Lachlan Mitchell, for Harness Racing Victoria