Franco Norton loving the grass

Franco Norton (A Rocknroll Dance) love for the grass harness racing surface and the Cromwell track continued when he skyed away to win the Scott Base Winery Handicap Pace today (Feb. 26).

In the hands of Gemma Thornley, the five year old made short work of his 30 metre handicap and after sitting back, he moved forward to sit parked outside leader Georgie Zukou (Auckland Reactor). Just before the turn Thornley pushed the go button and by the time Franco Norton had balanced for the run home he was three lengths in front. 

“Gemma knew a bit more than I did and I think today he went to the next level,” said trainer Steven McRae who thought sitting parked may have been a bit tough on the horse.

Franco Norton extended his lead and won by an impressive seven and a half lengths. 

“I didn’t really see that coming with the trip he had and having to make his own luck. He gave them all a chance and he’s gone as good as he’s ever gone really.”

The winning time of 3-21.0 was just outside Glencoe VC (Washington VC) and Hilarious Prince’s (A Rocknroll Dance) track record of 3-20.8. Better’s Tart (Bettor’s Delight) ran second with Sand Wave (Somebeachsomewhere) finishing third. 

FRANCO NORTON REPLAY

“He still had the hood on and he jogged it. With that trip I thought he’d paddle a bit but he went the other way and ran away and hid.”

It was the gelding’s nineth win, four of which have been on the grass. He’s unbeaten in three starts at the Cromwell track.

“It’s a great grass track Cromwell. Robert (Morton) does a great job and that’s why I bring Franco Norton down here. He puts plenty of water on it. A lot of grass tracks get too hard at this time of year and don’t get as well looked after as Cromwell. That’s as good a grass track as you’d get anywhere.”

McRae said the long term goal is the Southern Country Cups Final which will be held on Diamonds Days at Ascot Park in April.

“We’ll give him a wee spell and manage him. He’s qualified for both the Country Championship (Addington 12th May) and Southern Country Cups. He’s off a pretty tough mark now so we may have to face the big boys and see how we get on.” 

Today’s win was Thornley’s thirty ninth and it’s the first time she’s driven a treble on the same card. Her other winners today were Asian Elvis (Rocknroll Hanover) and Superfast Gorsey (Superfast Stuart).

The wins also helped the Team Teal appeal which supports research into ovarian cancer. Kirstin Barclay (Hit The Lights) and Sheree Tomlinson (Jonique) added to Thornley’s total, making it five wins for Team Teal today.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink