Frappell not Misunderstood with Clifford Park chances

MICHAEL Frappell will saddle up a pair of contenders as Clifford Park gets underway for the 2020/21 season.

HIGH HOPES: Michael Frappell (right) brings a pair of chances to Clifford Park for the opening meeting of the new season. Picture: Bev Lacey

RACING: A new season of racing commences at Clifford Park tonight, and local trainer Michael Frappell is hoping for a winning start.

Frappell will saddle up two chances of tonight, with Juxtaposed lining up in the opening event of the program, the National Jockeys Celebration Day Benchmark 55 Handicap (1000m).

Breaking his maiden three runs back at Warwick, the gelding has since gone on to finish a close-up fourth at the track and trip a fortnight ago.

“It was a good run (last time). I thought he was a bit unlucky in the straight,” Frappell said.

“He tried to take a gap and the horse on his outside laid in a bit which put him off his run. I thought he had a bit of an excuse there.

“He was only beaten a length, and I thought this race looked alright for him, although he has drawn a bit awkwardly (barrier eight).

“If there’s plenty of speed, it sets the race up for us. He could get trapped from the tricky gate, but the rail being in the true position helps.”

His other runner comes in the form of stayer Mr Misunderstood, dropping back in distance for the Mitavite Benchmark 58 Handicap (1850m).

The gelding has been unplaced in five runs this preparation, but Frappell hopes for an improved showing.

“I was really disappointed in his last effort,” he said.

“He put himself in a good spot early. The 2175m might have been a bit much, so we’re dropping back in distance to where we’ve had a lot of success.

“All of his runs at this trip have been good and had a lot of merit. We’ve kept him fresh since his last run, so we’ll see what happens.”

The seven-race program at Clifford Park gets underway at 4.29pm, with the last set to jump at 8.10pm.

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