Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Three-year-old gelding Franco Encore maintained an outstanding family tradition when he was successful in the 2130m Trotsynd Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The lightly-raced New Zealand-bred Franco Encore, trained by Ryan Bell and driven by Kyle Symington, is the sixth foal out of the unraced Changeover mare Edinburgh Franco, whose first three foals have all shown wonderful talent in short careers, with Franco Edward earning $221,468 from 11 wins and five placings from 18 starts, Franco Ecuador having 12 starts for seven wins, three placings and $74,801, and Franco Enzo winning twice from 13 starts before his untimely death.
Edinburgh Franco’s dam Elisit Franco produced six winners, including Franco Endure (27 starts for seven wins, eight placings and $75,307), Franco Emirate (33 starts for 14 wins, six placings and $332,830) and Eden Franco (41 starts for 14 wins, 15 placings and $192,757).
Elisit Franco’s dam Emily Franco produced Franco Enforce (70 starts for 28 wins, 19 placings and $593,738).
Franco Encore has a good way to go to equal the performances of his relatives, with Bell saying: “He is very immature and is taking a while to strengthen up, but I expect he will develop into a WA Derby candidate later this year on natural ability.”
Franco Encore was the $1.50 favourite from out wide at barrier No. 7, with $11 chance Duty Bound fastest to begin from barrier five. Symington wasted no time in dashing Franco Encore forward soon after the start to race in the breeze.
Franco Encore took the lead 350m from home but looked beaten when Brett Smith got to a narrow lead with $7 chance Sidstrepo 100m from the post. However, Sidstrepo turned up his toes and was beaten by a half neck.
“It certainly helped when Sidstrepo didn’t find the line,” said a relieved Bell. “But Franco Encore did kick back. He is still learning the caper and should have been able to have put that away better than he did.”
Franco Encore has had eight starts for two wins, three placings and $17,862. The best is yet to come.