Cranbourne back in the zone for FFA

By Jonny Turner

The team behind Cranbourne have absolutely no plans to reveal their tactics ahead of the New Zealand Free-For-All.

The rugged five-year-old looks to hold one of three trump cards on the front line and just what driver Matthew Williamson will do early in the race will be vital.

Cranbourne, who has drawn barrier 4, is known as a horse that loves to roll along at a hot pace.

To his outer is noted gate flyer Spankem (6), as well as the early favourite Rock N Roll Doo (5), who is not known for his early speed.

To Cranbourne’s inner is Alta Wiseguy (1), who was the subject of an article speculating that the four-year-old would lead from barrier one.

If that transpires, it could see the free-rolling Cranbourne land outside of Alta Wiseguy giving Williamson the option of drilling the leader or taking a trail behind Rock N Roll Doo, who is odds on to be looking to find the parked spot.

Of course, none of that may transpire if Spankem crosses all of his rivals or finds the parked spot in front of Cranbourne.

Whatever option they prefer or whatever they intend to do, both co-trainer Brent White and Williamson won’t be adding to the beat-ups that have already been in the media this week.

“I see Stonewall have already made their intentions clear, we won’t be doing that” White said.

“It will be up to Matty to make decide what he wants to do when he is out there.”

The Brent and Tim White Camp have their focus solely on Cranbourne ahead of Friday’s feature.

The father and son trainers were rapt with the horse’s effort to run second to Republican Party in Tuesday’s Junior Free-For-All.

“He went super and he seems to have come through the race really well.”

“To do that work and only be a length away from the winner was a good effort.”

“I think if you reverse the runs, you probably reverse the result.”

The second placing showed Cranbourne is right back to his back following a frustrating spring, plagued by standing start errors.

“Back behind the mobile, he seems to be back to his best.”

“He wasn’t at his best earlier on but we are a lot happier with him now.”

Cranbourne heads back into the Junior Free-For-All following an epic effort in the race last year, where he broke 1.50 for his last mile equivalent.