In-form Frankly chasing stakes start

7 August 2014

John Bary was left to rue a missed black type opportunity with Frankly at New Plymouth and now he’s looking forward to another chance at Awapuni. The Hastings trainer had expected the Pins mare to be competitive in a recent Listed feature sponsored by WS.

“I was very confident for the Opunake Cup, but she couldn’t get off the ballot,” he said. “I was very bullish that week and we had to regroup. I think she’ll be better over a mile or 2000 metres so we’ll have a look at the Merial Metric Mile with her.”

Bred and raced by WS, Frankly again showed she was ready for the challenge of better company when she scored an impressive win at Hastings this afternoon in the hands of Miranda Dravitzki. “She just bided her time and then came out – that was a 10 out of 10 ride,” Bary said.

Frankly has now fashioned the tidy record of four wins and nine placings from 15 appearances to further a strong family record. Out of the O’Reilly mare O’Really, she is a half-sister to six winners including Keano (Listed Lightning Handicap).

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is not the easiest role, that of Chairman of our Thoroughbred Racing Board. Like all chairmanships, one’s mind is rarely not occupied with the responsibility. To our Chairman, I say thanks. A lifetime in the industry, Chairman of our largest club, it is difficult to identify someone more suited to the role.

14 May 2026

Sav’s girl Chispa targeting the Gr.1 Oaks

Savabeel filly Chispa enhanced her Queensland Oaks credentials with a dominant Randwick victory for Chris Waller and James McDonald, with the Pencarrow Stud-bred and raced filly surging clear over 1800 metres in impressive fashion.