Fraser Island gets lumps of weight from main market rival Calva D’Auge in the 2m novice hurdle at Plumpton on Monday (14:15), so can resume winning ways.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, this Australia gelding’s grandsire won on softer surfaces. He is bred in the purple being out of an Acclamation mare.
As Fraser Island handled soft ground just fine on hurdles debut at Newbury, this Flat convert has plenty going for him. The bookies have taken notice of that.
He was a handicapper on the level, but still has smart pieces of form. They include when third to Sir Ron Priestly at Haydock.
The winner went on to land the Group 3 March Stakes at Goodwood and finish second in the St Leger.
Fraser Island was also runner-up to another erstwhile Mark Johnston stable companion in Nayef Road at Newmarket.
Again, the winner was very useful – placing in the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and Bahrain Trophy during the July Festival, before landing the Gordon Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and coming third in the Doncaster Classic.
Why Fraser Island is worth a wager at Plumpton
This very respectable Flat form made Fraser Island a fascinating recruit to hurdles. He demonstrated that when bolting up on his National Hunt bow and debut for Henderson by 11 lengths.
After tracking the leaders, Nico de Boinville produced him to lead two out. Fraser Island was soon clear and won easily.
What he beat was questionable, but this taking display saw him penalised for his next outing at Kempton.
Fraser Island still confirmed Newbury form with Sir Cranford despite that. He was far from disgraced when beaten 2 3/4 lengths into third by Goa Lil.
Connections now pitch him against his elders for the first time. The race terms are in this four-year-old’s favour unlike when last in action.
As Fraser Islands receives 16lb from Calva D’Auge and is rated 3lb superior, he has to be fancied at the weights. Odds of 6/4 with Betway to resume winning ways reflect a major advantage.
With Henderson’s stable on a 33 per cent strike rate in the last fortnight, everything looks in place for a big run.
Bet of the Day: 6/4 with Betway, Fraser Island in the 2m novice hurdle at Plumpton.