Swedish Franco ready for today’s Amberley Cup

With the broodmare paddock beckoning, Swedish Franco’s “working super” ahead of today’s $20,000 Rangiora Equine Services Amberley Cup.

Today she’ll start off 10 metres in the 2600 metre feature at Rangiora as she vies for win number five from just six starts on the grass. 

“It’s a cracker field, and a good stake,” says trainer Steven McRae, “she loves the grass and feels like she’ll go a big race, she's been working super."

Swedish Franco’s excellent form line hit a hiccup last start when she was tenth at Addington. That followed some encouraging performances down south, including a real eye-catcher on the all-weather at Omakau when she was a fast finishing second to Callie’s Delight.

“That was one of her best runs,” says McRae.

Monday’s Cup field is far from clear cut. It features four Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained runners, with John Dunn opting for Got You Covered. They also have A Bettor Act, Sam’s Town and Dashing Major, who’s had three wins in his last four starts.

With the winning chances not stopping there either, McRae has hinted that Swedish Franco’s driver Craig Thornley may well be aggressive.

“The 10 metres can be tricky but it’s not the end of the world ……we don’t want to be unlucky.”

His stable’s been going well this year with six wins from 19 starts, thanks to Galway Girl, Franco Macho and Franco Norton.

Swedish Franco is in foal to Always B Miki, meaning her racing days are drawing to a close.

“We thought she would have three or four wins and she is well bred so we thought we’d put her in foal, but she has surprised us a bit,” says McRae.

Swedish Franco is by Bettor’s Delight out of San Rafaella, who won ten from 19.

The Rangiora Equine Services Amberley Cup is set to go at 4.16pm.