Forsman in right form
Lightly raced 4-year-old Francesca provided trainer Andrew Forsman with a day he will long remember when she won the Rotorua Stakes (1400m) yesterday.
Barely a fortnight into his solo training career after spending many years in partnership with Murray Baker, who retired this month, Forsman registered his first victory in his own right when Hot Pinx won a rating 65 1400 contest at Hawera.
Less than 20 minutes later, Francesca, who was having her first start since suffering a bleed at the venue in October, provided her well-credentialled mentor with the second leg of a winning double on the day and a first stakes victory under his new regime.
The daughter of Iffraaj had shown plenty of talent through her career and indicated she was primed for a forward showing after producing a stylish victory over 950m at the Cambridge trials on April 26.
Jockey Matthew Cameron, who had earlier taken out the day’s other black-type feature when Sinarahma won the Rotorua Cup (2200m), made good use of an inside barrier as he sent Francesca straight to the front and dictated terms throughout.
Taken on approaching the home bend by Montana Mist and La Bella Beals, Francesca kicked away in the run home to comfortably hold out the late challenges of Sassy Merlot and Secret Admirer to register her fifth career victory from nine starts.
Forsman had breathed a sigh of relief after the win by Hot Pinx and was thrilled to back up that success with Francesca, a mare he holds in high regard.
“It’s great to get the monkey off the back, as we’ve had a few minor placings to kick off but got the winners [yesterday],” he said.
Sinarahma signed off her racetrack career with a dominant victory. She bounded to the front and ran away from minor placegetters Roger That and Marietta Lane to win by just over four lengths.
“That was just fantastic, but some ways a little too late, as she’s had her last run,” trainer Allan Sharrock said.
“I would’ve loved to have given her a chance to get out to 3200m, as Matt [jockey Matthew Cameron] said she just powered through the line, but her racing career is done now and her next assignment will be meeting a partner in the spring.
“The other special thing about the win was Matt riding her, as when a former apprentice comes back and rewards you with an effort like that, it’s just magical. I told Matt it was a 10 out of 10 ride and he couldn’t have done any better. It’s fantastic she can go out a winner in such a good race.”
Sharrock didn’t have to wait long for a further thrill on the day as Sinarahma’s cousin Our Hail Mary also ended her racing career with an impressive victory over 2100m at Hawera.
“I don’t think I could have asked for a better result, with both mares winning on their last day of racing,” Sharrock said.