The Feral Claims Bragging Rights In Xmas Thriller

FERAL Franky has upstaged his brother Good Odds Harada in a thrilling Group 3 Christmas Gift (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

FERAL Franky has upstaged his brother Good Odds Harada in a thrilling Group 3 Christmas Gift (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

Billed as a race in two between the group 1 winning litter-brothers, betting for the $25,000 to-the-winner event was dominated by Million Dollar Chase hero Good Odds Harada, sent to the boxes a red-hot $1.33 favourite ahead of Feral Franky at $4.00.

The remaining two runners, Jimmy Casey and Embye, were largely discarded by punters, going around well over double figure odds for the group 3 event, run for the first time under the revised four-dog format.

Early doors the race panned out as most had anticipated.

Good Odds Harada carved out his customary early sectionals – recording 5.42 and 17.82 – with ‘The Feral' looming large off the top turn, in a striking position to unleash his powerful finishing burst.

Charging home along the fence, Feral Franky claimed bragging rights over his brother in their much anticipated clash, stopping the clock in a sizzling 29.54, running home in a powerful 11.72. The winning margin was three lengths.

Saturday night's group 3 triumph was Feral Franky's 22nd career victory at start 40, his prize money swelling close to $450,000.

The son of Collision and Solar Pak has now secured four group wins for trainer Jack Smith, three of those from box five.

Earlier in the night, recent Newcastle Cup winner Just Terms added a second group 3 win to her glowing resume with a gritty victory in the Group 3 Christmas Cheer (720m).

Suited down to the ground in the reduced field format, the Jodie Lord-trained daughter of Barcia Bale had to stave off a gallant performance by runner-up China O'Brien to claim the race by three-quarters of a length in 42.35.

After setting a hot pace out in front, Blue Moon Rising finished third another two lengths away.

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