Can Reinette take the Westbred Crown?

The Nafranec family went to the 2023 APG Yearling Sales with hopes of purchasing a colt but instead walked away with two fillies and that’s a purchase that hasn’t led to any type of buyers’ remorse, with handy harness racing filly Reinette (Vincent) looking for Group 1 glory this Friday night.

Drawing barrier 10 in the fillies classic for the two-year-olds, trainer Frank Nafranecs only concern with the race is whether his star filly will get a run.

With the Justin Prentice trained Ruby Lovera drawn in front of her in barrier one, Nafranec is hoping he can remain on the leaders back, or at worst be two back on the pegs, but confident that if they can get a run, his filly will be a key player in this feature.

“I Just hope the pace is on.”

Although she has well and truly exceeded their expectations on the track, Frank firmly believes she still has plenty to give, and he expects she will only continue to improve on what she’s shown so far on the track.

“She has a huge heart.”

Reinette went to the track Tuesday afternoon for one last hit out before Friday night’s feature and by all reports she’s all ready to go.

“Really good, probably the best she’s gone, we’re very happy.” Frank Nafranec reported.

Having just the nine starts now for four wins and two placings, she has taken her earnings to in-excess of $54,000, with a further $20,506.25 in westbred bonuses paid out to her very lucky connections.

Purchased for a modest $15,000, Reinette was bred by Dennis Roche and is by Vincent out of Aqueensomewhere, who is a half sister to Jumbo Operator, an earner of over $313,000, Tubbs Farquhar ($119,466) and Getaway Plan ($135,549), with Reinette’s breeding the main reason they looked at the pint-sized pacer.

Realising they had something special on their hands from when she was just a yearling being broken in, Nafranec mentioned that she’s the best horse he’s had in long career, and it makes training her even more nerve wracking than any other horse before her.

“She’s the best by a mile, she’s got a big motor.”

It has never been a one-man band with the Nafranec stable, with Rick Nafranec gaining his licence is recent years, but it’s Franks other son Adam that does all the work with this young filly.

“Adam does the majority of the work with this horse, at least 90%. I’m not allowed to touch her.” He joked.

The Allwood Stud 2YO Fillies Westbred Classic (2130m) is set to jump at 8.04pm (WST).

Goodluck to the Nafranec family and connections, who will be hoping to take out their first Group 1 this weekend with what they described as their “cheap purchase.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Ashleigh Paikos, for RWWA