Frampton hoping to double up at Cambridge tonight

By Jordyn Bublitz 

Fresh from a second career win a fortnight ago, Innocent Man is back at Cambridge Raceway tonight and looking to repeat the dose for trainer Rodney Frampton.

The four-year-old son of He’s Watching steps out in Race 6, the Blokes Night In The Skyline Lounge 18th Sept Mobile Pace (7.38pm). He’ll again be partnered by Zachary Butcher, who steered him to victory at the track on August 28. 
 
That win was the gelding’s second overall from 19 starts, and his first since February this year. He fought bravely up the passing lane to snatch victory by a nose, with a slick 56.4 for the last half. He was the outsider in a six-horse field.

Trainer Rodney Frampton says while it was pleasing to see him finally deliver on race day, the performance didn’t come as a complete shock.

“It was a little bit of a surprise, but definitely a pleasant one,” he said, “he’s always worked like he’d be good enough to win a race or two but just hasn’t really produced it on race day.”

Frampton reports that Innocent Man has come through that win well and looks primed for another solid showing. He's currently paying $9 and $1.95.

“He’s got a bit of gate speed, but I’ll leave it up to Zach as to whether or not we use it. It’s a small field so I don’t think he’ll be too far away so long as he does everything right.”

For Frampton, Innocent Man’s win last start was just the tonic he needed. Only recently back in the sulky after a trackwork accident that fractured his L3 vertebra, the trainer had been sidelined for months. The mishap came while working Innocent Man, when a rein snapped and he was left with no control.

“I was completely out of action for a good couple of months, and I’ve been slowly working my way back,” Frampton explained. “Leah Hibell deserves a lot of the credit for Innocent Man, she’s been taking care of and working him while I was out.”

While another victory would certainly be a boost for Frampton, he says the greatest satisfaction would come from delivering a win for loyal owners John and Mary Bell.

“They absolutely idolise him and they’ve been so patient,” he said. “They haven’t been on course before when he’s won but they’ll be on track tonight and I’d just be so happy for them.”