As a trainer Martin Herbert has won two of Bankstown’s three biggest races. He’s won the Schweppes Cup and the time honoured Carousel and would love to add the Treuer Memorial to that list on Saturday night with Franco Nester but after drawing barrier seven is realistic about the his chances.
“He’s drawn the inside of the second row and isn’t drawn behind a fast beginner so not everything has gone to plan” Herbert said.
“However he has got Josh Willick as his driver and he is very good at getting off the inside especially at Bankstown and you don’t see Josh getting dragged back to last on the fence very often.”
Herbert could not be happier with Franco Nester currently and not only has be been pleased by his recent efforts on the track but his track work around Bankstown this week has been as good as ever.
“I have been very happy with his on track performances because recently at Menangle he was clocked running his last half in 54.4 and of the 95 horses that raced at the meeting he was the second quickest behind Special Albert who is a real sprinter.”
“But at home this week is where he has been going so well, we have clocked him running 27 second quarters around Bankstown so I am confident that he is ready to run a great race on Saturday night.”
Herbert is hoping Franco Nester handles the class rise to Grand Circuit company because he plans on heading towards the 2011 Inter Dominion in Christchurch if he can.
“Saturday night is his first run against the very best and it is going to tell me a lot about which direction we are headed in over the next six months but he won’t have to win to please me, If he can run in the first four or five it would tell me that we are going the right way and I would love to get back to my old home in New Zealand and take Franco Nester with me for the Inter series next year.”
Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) is the controlling body for harness racing in New South Wales with responsibility for commercial and regulatory management of the industry including 31 racing clubs across the State. HRNSW is headed by an industry-appointed Board of Directors and is independent of Government.
To arrange an interview or for further information please contact:
Name: Dale Walker
Position: Marketing Manager
Phone: (02) 9722 6600
Email: dwalker@hrnsw.com.au
