Kaiser Franz gives Heathcote last laugh
Robert Heathcote had the last laugh after Kaiser Franz scored an upset win in the Group Three Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Kaiser Franz started one of the least fancied runners in the Cup, going to the barriers a $61 chance before overwhelming his rivals in the final 100m to win by half a length.
“I copped a bit of flak from the owners for running him and I noticed he was big odds before the jump but I had a really sneaky feeling that he’d love this track,” Heathcote said.
“He’s run second last, gone at the 600 (metres) last start, but I liked his run the start before that on this track.
“Today was his big test and maybe it’s pie in the sky to run him in the Brisbane Cup but the extra 200 metres next time will suit him.”
Heathcote said he was prepared to forgive the gelding’s poor showing in the Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben on May 13.
“I knew coming into this meeting that horses that have raced well on this track in the past would be those that would handle the going best,” he said.
“He’s beaten some good horses today and it was a lovely ride from Robbie Fradd.”
Jockey Jeff Lloyd was happy with the effort of runner-up Zambezi Warrior ($8.50) while Tegan Harrison believes fourth placegetter Benzini is on track to repeat last year’s Brisbane Cup win.
“That run will top him off nicely for the Cup in a fortnight,” Harrison said.