The Victoria Racing Club’s commitment to developing stayers continues this weekend with the Byerley Handicap (1800m) at Flemington, offering a ballot exemption into the Victoria Derby or VRC Oaks.

Saturday’s two-year-old feature has drawn a field of eight, including Frankie’s Boy, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, who steps out for just his second start.

Frankie’s Boy finished fourth on debut over 1300m on a heavy Newcastle track, but Bott says the colt is bred to stay.

“He’s going to be a horse that appreciates getting over ground in time,” Bott said.

“He’s got the pedigree and everything to suggest that, but it’s all about getting him seasoned and conditioned.”

Running left-handed for the first time is another challenge, though Bott says he’s done some Melbourne-way work earlier in the prep.

Ben Melham takes the ride on the promising colt, who is aiming to follow in the footsteps of past Byerley graduates like Johnny Get Angry and Red Aces.