FRANCO LANDS OZARK UNRACED AT NEWBRIDGE

Ian Fortune

Doonanes Franco may have been a 10-1 chance for the final of the Hawkfield Ozark at Stud ON2 at Newbridge on Friday night but there was nothing lucky about his victory.

The son of Ballymac Anton and Old Treasure had shown early speed in his two previous outings in the competition and he again was sharpest into the turn.

Representing Dennis Smyth and Eugene Wheatley, the September ’22 whelp absolutely flew from trap two to dictate in the early yards. Hometown displayed fine early speed to sit on the heels of the leader at the bend but he found little room, being forced to check.

This meant that Doonanes Franco entered the back straight with three lengths in hand. Victory seemed inevitable thereafter. Speedy Torpedo did stay on well to take second but there was no stopping Doonanes Franco, who raced to a thoroughly deserving two and a half length victory in 28.86. Hometown was another two lengths back in third.