By TONY WHITE
HAWKESBURY trainer Garry Frazer has his fingers crossed Browden can finally get his act together at Orange today.
The four-year-old by Starcraft out of the Marscay mare Marples, owned and bred by the late Geoff White and his wife Beryl, has to date proven a major source of frustration.
After several earlier preparations, Browden finally made its race debut over 1000m at Hawkesbury on September 13.
Disaster struck. The gelding, well in the betting market, came out bucking and finished tailed off behind Cliffsman.
His erratic behaviour meant Browden was sent back to trial before being passed to race again.
It wasn’t the first time Browden’s antics had tested the patience of Frazer.
“Last preparation he went to the races twice,” Frazer recalled.
“The first time he hit his head on the barrier and was a late scratching then two weeks later he decided to throw Mitchell Bell on the way to the barriers and was scratched again.
“I had to spell him.
“He trialled well leading into his first start at Hawkesbury but again, lost the plot.”
Frazer said Browden did have ability and described him as a “quick horse”.
“The trip away tomorrow [today] will do him the world of good,” he said.
“He’s subsequently trialled and finished second without being pushed.
“He’s a bit older in the head now.
“If he races up to his trial form he’s a realistic chance of winning.”
Browden has had four trials recording a win, prior to his disastrous debut at Hawkesbury and three placing’s.
He finished second to Step Out In Style over 1000m at the same track following his debut.
Browden tackles the Coca-Cola Amatil Maiden over 1300m.
“He’s fit enough for the 1300 metres,” Frazer added.
“He’s going to be better when he gets over even more ground.”
Apprentice David Pisani has the mount.
