Having to choose between two live chances – and personal favourites – in a Pryde's EasiFeed Victoria Cup
For rising star driver Kima Frenning, who less than four years ago relocated to Australia from Sweden as a monte rider, she never fathomed being in such a pleasant predicament.
But this morning she made the call after seeking counsel from her team, siding with Wrappers Delight over Im The Boss for Saturday night's Pryde's EasiFeed Victoria Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton and beyond.
"It was a very, very hard decision but I'll be driving Wrappers," she said.
"I talked with Aik (trainer David Aiken) and the owners of both horses, and that's the decision we've come up with. He's done so much for me that horse (Im The Boss), but you've got to pick one."
Five-year-old Wrappers Delight heads into the Victoria Cup having taken out last weekend’s Group 2 TAB Multiplier Smoken Up Sprint, finishing ahead of three of his Vic Cup rivals on that occasion. He also won the Empire Stallions Vicbred Super Series and Hygain Breeders Crown finals last season.
“He’s the up-and-comer,” she said.
“I’d say there will be improvement (from last weekend). This will be his third run back and the way he raced through the Vicbreds he just kept improving. The earplugs never came off in the Smoken Up Sprint, so he should have a bit left.”
Im The Boss has been a revelation since joining the Aiken stable after being claimed for $11,000. He’s since won the Park Douglas Printing Mildura Cup, Neatline Homes Shepparton Gold Cup and the Jet Roofing Kilmore Pacing Cup.
Both horses will target the TAB Inter Dominion, which kicks off in Victoria on December 1.
WA star Chicago Bull is the hot favourite for the Pryde's EasiFeed Victoria Cup.
Frenning’s own rise in the sport in a short time has been nothing short of remarkable. She has transitioned from saddle to sulky with an ease that only comes from having an innate knowledge of standardbred horses.
“It feels amazing. It’s just so special. I didn’t think I’d even be driving this much, let alone in the big races. I’ve got so many good people around me supporting me and I’m pinching myself,” she said.
“It feels unreal. I’m loving it and just trying to take it all in.”
Frenning hadn’t even heard of the Inter Dominion before moving Down Under, but now explains it to those back in Sweden as “the Australian version of the Elitlopp”
“It’s clearly the biggest race here and to have four horses from the (Aiken) stable nominated, it’s crazy,” she said.
The confirmed starters for the 2018 Pryde's EasiFeed Victoria Cup in alphabetical order are:
AMERETTO
CARLAS PIXEL
CHICAGO BULL NZ
FRANCO NELSON NZ
GOTTA GO YA HU NZ
IM THE BOSS
MACH DORO
MAJORDAN
MY ALPHA ROCK NZ
SHADOW SAX
TIGER TARA NZ
WRAPPERS DELIGHT
THREE WAYS NZ (Em 1)
CODY WINNELL
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
HARNESS RACING VICTORIA