Franco Ecuador A Winner Once More
It’s been almost two years, but talented pacer Franco Ecuador is back in the winner’s circle, taking out the George & Joy Devereux Memorial (2185m) at Pinjarra this afternoon.
The five-year-old was having just his second start since he finished third in the 2020 WA Derby behind Patronus Star.
A pastern bone injury saw Franco Ecuador miss all his four-year-old season, including last year’s Golden Nugget.
After a first-up second at Gloucester Park last month, Franco Ecuador was able to capitalise on a favourable barrier draw this afternoon to score a comfortable win.
The son of A Rocknroll Dance found his way to the top soon after the start and controlled the race from there.
The Kim Prentice-trained and driven pacer rated 1.56.5 and ran home in 56.1 to score by 11.4m.
Franco Ecuador’s main danger Vulcan Star settled a long way back in the field and was left with too much to do in the home straight.
Prentice said he was wrapped to have his stable star back in good order.
“He went really well first-up, but I just asked a bit too much of him,” he told The Trots WA.
“We just backed off him and ran some blood tests on him to make sure he was okay after it.
“He went really well today and will just get better from here.
“I think he’s turned the corner now.”
Prentice made it a race-to-race double when Lady Zegna scored a gritty win in the Bob & Mary Devereux Memorial (2185m).
WATCH – Franco Ecuador’s win
Tim Walker
Image – Hamilton Content Creators