Quote Originally Posted by triplev123 View Post
G'day Tony,
It might be just his size, whatever it is...there's something about him (Franco Emirate) that reminds me of Melpark Major.
On MM night he looked like a 3 headed Gorilla heading out to warm up. Big, strong, a long stride on him and I thought to myself how can they beat this? He went off at $1.30 and although he finished 3rd, to me he never ever looked like a winning chance at any stage in the race. I think you may have him pegged. He's physically mature but at the moment, mentally, maybe still not totally switched on. If he puts it all together, a horse of those physical dimensions really should be something to watch next time around.
Jaimie...For sure he has the ability...
Strong Winner of the Messenger after a sighter at the Auckland way of going in the Taylor Mile and 4yo jewels last season.
Was one of the early favourites for the NZ Cup when Smoken Up's program was unknown he was pulled out of that early on when he just couldn't handle the stand starts.
They had him in 3 heats at the workouts one day just for stand start practice. managed it 1 of 3 so no NZ Cup. ent out and won mobile FFA Cup day instead.
That said I remember him losing over 100 metres at start of a race very early in his career stand start then killing his opposition.
Having had that trip across the ditch, if you have a black book put his name at the top of each page with a highlighter pen. Next time you see him over there his reputation and your first impression will be justified I'm sure.
ps..I was there when he was born and being a Franco horse I wondered all that night.(shift) whether I could lease him ....He was a great looking foal and looking back I thought him the best foal I handled that season. (out of 87). Only pegged one better since in 5 years and waiting for it to emerge...!!!!!