News & Media

09 May 2012 Friarday To Commence Winter Campaign At Northam

Promising stayer Friarday kicks off his winter campaign at Northam on Thursday and trainer Peter Giadresco is confident of a forward showing first-up.

It was at Northam last October that Friarday stamped his potential when he produced a withering run from near last before finishing runner up to Counter Offer.

He then backed up with consecutive wins at Bunbury when stretching out to the mile before ending his preparation with two unplaced runs.

Friarday, who hasn't raced in five months, tuned up for his return with two trial hit outs over 950m and 1000m respectively.

The Blackfriars gelding, to be ridden by Peter Hall, will carry top weight of 59kg and has drawn barrier 12 in the Northam Caravan Park Handicap (1300m).

"I'm pleased with the way he has returned and his physical conditioning," Giadresco said.

"He is an up and coming stayer who will run a nice race.

"He will be further improved as he steps over more ground.

"He can be a little tardy out of the gates but if he gets away cleanly he will be flooding home late."

Giadresco believes an outside gate in barrier ten is the only major stumbling block for Midnight Whispers in the www.northamraceclub.com.au (1100m) Handicap.

The Zedrich filly showed improved form at Pinjarra on Anzac Day, her second run back from a spell, when she ran on from the back of the field to finish fourth and four lengths to Anshan.

Anshan franked the form with a solid fourth to Right Time at Belmont last weekend after racing wide throughout.

"She was not quite ready first-up before a better showing next time out," Giadresco said.

"The wide barrier is my only concern because I think she has her foot on the till and is ready to win."

Earlier in the first, the www.avonvalleywa.com.au Maiden (1100m), expect improvement from Leonora Larriken.

The two-year-old ran last to Mister Panon on debut at Ascot two weeks ago, but it may pay to rule a line through the run as he was trapped three wide the entire trip.

Shaun O'Donnell is an important riding engagement and from barrier four he will ensure the Justine Erkelens-trained galloper is given the run of the race.

Barge Thru will be improved by his first up outing at Albany a fortnight back and looks suited to the 1300m of the Northam Liquor Store Maiden.

The Paul Roberts gelding was sent out as the short-priced favourite after scoring consecutive trials win at Bunbury.

He settled near last for his rider Kyra Yuill and was still giving rivals a start when cornering before mowing them down late to finish sixth and a touch over three lengths from Running In Vain.