Matamata Double - Francee Fab

In the Haunui Farm colours, Francee (3 f Iffraaj - Calveen, by Canny Lad) won the $14,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres (eligible $13,000 bonus) on 14 May at Matamata.

Improving with experience, Francee fought hard for second in the Maiden 2YO & 3YO 1400 metres on 19 April at Matamata, with leading rider Michael McNab aboard, and the pairing was rewarded in victory at her fourth attempt. 

First out before taking a sit behind the pace, Francee remained inside runners but well away from the rail turning for home, kicked to lead at the 300m, and found plenty in determined manner.

“She moves well and it was a good tough effort,” said McNab, on dismounting.

On footing that remained Heavy10 after the postponement two days earlier, Francee ran 1400 metres in 1:29.9, last 600m in 39.3, and she paid $2.90 & $1.40 as race favourite.

“She's been a work in progress and probably could have gone either way because she was quite highly strung, but has continued to improve, and Mark (Chitty) at Haunui Farm has been patient and allowed us to work her out,” said trainer Mark Walker.

“She's obviously a very well bred filly, and it's nice to get a win on the board, and there's no reason why she won't continue to win more races as she matures.”

Francee is bred and owned by BF Bloodstock & Haunui Bloodstock.

Her dam, Calveen, won ten races and over half a million in stakes, impressed winning Group races over 1600 metres, including the Easter Handicap (Gr. 1, 1600m), and along with her dam, Calvinia (Varick), became a very good producer.

Francee, a half-sister to winner of five and Group Three placed Delveen (Encosta de Lago), was the sixth individual winner from Calveen, while Calvinia left nine individual winners of 39 races and over $1.5 million in stakes. 

“It's great to train another winner for Haunui Farm, one of the most enterprising studs in the modern era” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.

“We've bought some outstanding horses from them over the years, especially Melody Belle who won 14 Group One races, was twice Horse of the Year, and was recently inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.

“Haunui also puts so much into sponsorship, Mark Chitty has been closely has involved in the leadership of the merger of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, and we're lucky to have them in the industry.”

Francee was strapped by Olivia Hill, and judged best presented in the birdcage beforehand.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz