Amaretto Franco goes two from two

Amaretto Franco (Terror To Love) is a harness racing mare that’s kicking a few goals and her win last night at Addington extended her record to four wins from just twelve starts.

“She’s been a bit of a slow burn but I’ve always liked her a bit. She’s just had a combination of bad luck and bad manners early on, so we just had to reset. She seems to have come back a bit more of a racehorse,” trainer Steven McRae said.

Driver Craig Thornley speared Amaretto Franco out from barrier two before handing up to the favourite It’s Tough.

“That was the first time we’ve really had to ask her for that and it’s good to know there was a wee bit there. It gives you options especially in those 1980 metre races.”

The pair, It’s Tough and Amaretto Franco travelled one and two until the field straightened for the run home and Amaretto Franco came up the passing lane. When Thornley activated the head gear she found another gear.

AMARETTO FRANCO REPLAY

The winning margin was one and a half-lengths with It’s Tough holding second with another four lengths back to Lakelsa in third.

“Craig says that was the best she had felt and was surprised how easy she did it.”

McRae says that with the way Amaretto Franco is progressing up the ratings band she may have to race in some of the races for better mares.

“She seems to follow speed well and is a lovely horse to drive. Once she takes her spot she just drops the bit and relaxes. Every time you pull her out and ask her to go she seems to be able to do it.”

McRae will give Amaretto Franco a short spell and look at racing her in a mare’s race on Show Day.

“We may look at the Southern Belle and keep her racing her own sex. With the rating she’s on now it’s going to be pretty tough going. If they can keep programming the mares races that’ll be good and stop them from moving on.”

Amaretto Franco is from a great female producing family. Her third dam Frangelico (Golden Fulla) won thirteen races for two different trainers – Richard Brosnan and Terry May. She won two New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Stakes and started in the New Zealand Cup twice. Her dam Kara Kara (Scottish Hanover) won eight races.

“Hamish McPherson who bred her has had a great run with the family and it’s good to see it’s still kicking this far down the track.”

Amaretto Franco’s ownership group includes the Organ Donation Saves Lives Syndicate.

“A fellow called Aaron Coull had a heart transplant over ten years ago and if it wasn’t for that he wouldn’t be here. It’s him and a few mates. The name gives the cause a bit of publicity to make people aware of it.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink