Ken Casellas | Photo: Pacepix
Astute Baskerville trainer Ryan Bell holds a strong hand in the Garrard’s Pace over 1730m at Gloucester Park on Friday night with speedy two-year-old geldings Franco Encore and Heez A Vibe — and he has given punters a good lead by declaring that Franco Encore appeals as the better of the two at this early stage of their careers.
Franco Encore will be driven by the stable’s No. 1 driver Kyle Symington, while Gary Hall Jnr has been engaged to handle Heez A Vibe.
Franco Encore will start from the No. 2 barrier, with Heez A Vibe at barrier four. Rival trainer Aiden De Campo also has two runners, Menemsha (barrier three) and Copy Cat Queen, who will start from the outside in the field of five.
De Campo will drive Menemsha, and Chris Lewis will handle Copy Cat Queen, with both youngsters reappearing after spells.
Franco Encore and Heez A Vibe last appeared when they clashed over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Tuesday of last week. Franco Encore led for the first 100m before Heez A Vibe (who began from the outside barrier in the field of seven) dashed to the front and set a fast pace before Franco Encore sprinted to the front 100m from the post and beat Heez A Vibe by five metres, rating 1.57.9.
“I was extremely happy with Heez A Vibe’s first-up run,” said Bell. “He tugged on a bit, and he fought out the distance, which was good. He is one of those horses who races keenly first-up and then gets better manners, the fitter he gets.
“Heez A Vibe is a handy horse who is always going to put himself in a good spot because of his gate speed. I think Franco Encore is showing signs of becoming a decent horse, and at this stage I’d say he’s not far behind Waverider (a stablemate unbeaten at two starts, including the $100,000 Sales Classic in March).
“On Friday night Franco Encore will nearly lead, with only Heez A Vibe capable of crossing him. I would like to take Heez A Vibe back off the arm, but he’s got a fair bit of little man’s syndrome. So, you’ve just got to go with him a bit.
“It’s not going to be a walk in the park for my two runners. Menemsha was checked and his run in the Sales Classic final was good.”