'It's a rarity and an interesting project' - Australian-bred Frankel two-year-old in line for unique Newmarket debut

There will be a rare sighting of a southern hemisphere two-year-old taking on northern hemisphere three-year-olds on Friday with Gran Ventura on course to make her debut in a fillies' novice contest at the July course.

The George Boughey-trained daughter of Frankel is treated as a three-year-old when racing in the northern hemisphere but is just two years and ten months old, having been foaled in August 2022. 

As such, Gran Ventura, who was picked up by agent Stephen Hillen as part of a Yulong draft at the sales in Australia this year, will receive a big weight allowance in the mile contest.

"I don't think it’s a first but it's a rarity and it's an interesting project," said Henry Morshead, Boughey's assistant trainer. "It's not one we've explored before, but she's very straightforward and looks to have a bit of an engine, so fingers crossed. 

"She's southern hemisphere-bred and gets a decent weight allowance from the three-year-olds this summer. She seems to go nicely."

George Boughey and assistant Henry Morshead on their way to the gallopsCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Gran Ventura may be less than three years old but she did not appear to lack for substance when working under Jack Callan on the Cambridge Road Polytrack in Newmarket on Tuesday morning.

Morshead said: "She’s down to carry 8st 5lb, as opposed to 9st 2lb, on Friday, which you would like to think would give her a head start, and we're looking forward to seeing how she gets on. I think the plan is to make her of interest to buyers here or back down in the southern hemisphere. 

"We also have another Frankel filly who was from the Yulong draft. She's a bit further behind but hopefully will be out in the next few months."

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