Franco Edward A Pearl
16 June, 2018
Harness
The build up to last night’s Group 1 Pearl Classic (2130m) was how this year’s crop of two-year-olds was one of the strongest seen at Gloucester Park.
The heats for the Pearl Classic on June 5 were compelling viewing.
Franco Edward produced a breathtaking performance in his heat, before Bletchley Park and Shockwave were equally impressive in their heat wins.
Franco Edward was installed as a short-price favourite off the back of his heat win from barrier one for last night’s $100,000 event, and he didn’t disappoint.
Kyle Harper, the trainer and driver of the talented colt, had no issue getting to the front from barrier one, as the Michael Brennan-trained The Embezzler failed to cross Franco Edward at the start.
Bletchley Park, who was considered the biggest threat to Franco Edward, was left three wide without cover on the first lap, and then had to do additional work hard to sit outside of the favourite.
Shockwave, who was able to get nice trail into the race in the three wide line on the back of Bitcoin, emerged as the only contender to Franco Edward on the turn for home.
Harper was calm in front though, as Franco Edward went to the line comfortably holding off the challenge of Shockwave by three metres, while Its Rock And Roll finished third.
Franco Edward’s victory was the beginning of what could be a prosperous weekend for owner Robert Watson, who also has WA Pacing Cup winner Soho Tribeca making his return at Melton tonight.
Watson said the barrier draw did help Franco Edward’s cause in the Pearl Classic, but was bullish about his future.
“We had the draw, and you have to take advantage of it here,” he said.
“Once he led, we thought he would win.
“It was a really good field, and there was other horses that, had they drawn our barrier, could’ve done just as well.”
Watson indicated Franco Edward would likely have one more run prior to next month’s Golden Slipper.
Tim Walker
Photo: Scott Hamilton Media