Vella duo a Major threat in TAB Federal

Canberra Trainer Gratz Vella will line up a pair of talented sprinters in Friday’s TAB Federal (1000m) at Thoroughbred Park. 

Major Time and Onya Lionel will represent the in-form Trainer who has four winners from his last 18 starters. 

An eight-year-old who is showing no signs of slowing down, Major Time has returned in brilliant order this preparation with a win and a third placing from his first and second up assignments.

Vella is thrilled by his form and is confident he can further improve his career record of 48 starts for eight wins and 18 minor placings. 

“He’s just thriving” Vella said. “He’s a horse who’s form and effort can stay up deep into a prep.”

“Both runs this time in have been super, he gives 101% every time he steps out.”

Major Time will partner with apprentice Coriah Keatings and has drawn barrier six of ten for Friday’s feature.

“He likes to dictate things so ideally we’ll take up the running.” Vella said. “But like last start at Gundagai, if a few go too fast we’ll happy sit just off the speed.

Vella’s other runner Onya Lionel enters the contest first up after a nice break.

“Whatever he does on Friday, he’s certainly going to improve on.” Vella said. “We’ve had him in a couple of times and had to scratch because of barriers but I think this is a good start off point for him.”

It is another strong TAB Federal with some strong formlines represented. Iron Will will have his first run in the Country for some time, with his past 11 starts all being in the City. Trained by Tash Burleigh, the consistent son of Panzer Division, won one of those contests and ran top six in all but two.  

The TAB Federal is Race Seven on Friday’s program at Canberra.