The Justin Snaith Racing Team continued their bright run of form when the Australian-bred Sir Frenchie easily accounted for his six rivals to win the R150 000 Listed Ibhayi Stakes at Fairview on Friday.
There is no visible stress for Grant van Niekerk and Sir Frenchie as they coast to an easy win (Pic – Pauline Herman Photography)
With light rain falling intermittently and an earlier track inspection, conditions on the turf were a little more testing – but the Australian bred Sir Frenchie showed that he has found his confidence, with a second straight stakes success.
The Listed Sophomore Sprint winner had started his career as a promising 2yo, but went off the boil and is only now starting to show his true ability.
With his dam having won up to a mile, he has always suggested that he could well be a better horse round the turn and he won the 1400m 3yo feature in the style of a horse who could return to the SA Champions arena for a second try this year.
Under Grant van Niekerk, Sir Frenchie was never under threat and galloped powerfully to win by 1,75 lengths in a time of 86.11 secs.
He races in a partnership of Australian-based William Henderson and George businessman Braam van Huyssteen – who was on course with his ‘good luck charm’ daughter to watch all of his sixteen runners!
Local challenger Paper Town was next best in second, with Kimberley Star staying on for third a further 1,25 lengths adrift.
An A$82,500 Magic Millions Adelaide purchase for Paul Lafferty from the Attunga Stud draft, Sir Frenchie is by Coolmore stallion Choisir (Danehill Dancer) out of the four-time winning Viscount mare Volando.
He was resold here on the 2016 CTS Cape Ready To Run Sale for R500 000.
Sir Frenchie has won 4 races with 4 places from 13 starts for stakes of R472 750.
Jockey Keanan Steyn rode two winners on the afternoon, while Gavin Smith, and the in-form Tara Laing, shared the training honours with two wins apiece.
