McRae has been a regular at the Central Otago summer race circuit in recent seasons and is already enjoying a successful trip south ahead of the final meeting at Cromwell.
Cinderella Franco was as impressive as any first-time winner south of the Waitaki in recent times as she romped to victory in Omakau on Friday.
The filly will be looking to make it two from two in what looks a fitting assignment at Cromwell in Race 3, the On Point NZ Glass Junior Drivers Mobile Pace (2.19pm).
“From what she showed us at home, we were hoping she would be okay, but we didn’t think she was over yet,” McRae said.
“She’s only had two trials and she’s still very green.”
“I told the owners it will probably take her four or five starts to work it all out.”
“With the run she had in Omakau it was no surprise that she could win, but the way she did it, we probably wouldn’t have chosen to do that.”
Typical of any experienced trainer, McRae isn’t counting on Cinderella Franco to be a certainty at Cromwell, despite her odds suggesting she is just that.
“There are a few little variables she has to overcome.”
“She is on the grass this time and against horses that have raced a lot, just because of her greenness she will have to take it all in stride.”
“She’s a pretty unfinished article at this point.”
McRae will be looking to add to his good Cromwell Cup record when Amaretto Franco steps out at the meeting (6.05pm).
A scratchy start didn’t help her chances as she finished fifth in the Roxburgh Cup on Sunday.
The trainer is hopeful that a few minor adjustments can ensure that the six-year-old comes away cleanly on Tuesday.
“She used to get away pretty well, but she had a few false starts and now she can get a little excited.”
“We’re going to try a few things with her to help her escape.”
‘I think the bigger spaces at Cromwell could help her.’
“Even though she missed at Roxburgh, I thought she should have run third, but she should be better for it.”
“If she got away with it on Tuesday, I think she would give them something to think about.”
McRae will also switch gears with Ma Belle Amie Franco, who disappointed in her Gore debut after producing handy tests.
“We had a few steering problems with Gore, I can’t imagine her doing that again.”
“She is handy enough, but the draw (8) looks tough for her.”
Gemma Thornley combines with all three of McRae’s runners at Cromwell.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Jonny Turnerfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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