9 October, 2003
Franco Heir (pictured) will continue his Mallia
Builders Kilmore Cup preparation tomorrow night at Moonee Valley, but it's his
next start that has officials already salivating.
Trainer Martin Herbert has earmarked a clash with
Victorian Horse of the Year Mont Denver Gold at the Valley on Friday week.
"Win, lose or draw tomorrow night he'll clash
with Mont Denver Gold in the M2-M3 next week," Herbert declared.
"That'll be his last hitout before Kilmore and I
hold no fears about clashing with him.
"In fact, I think Franco Heir can outstay Mont
Denver Gold so it'll be a great contest."
Franco Heir has been rated a $1.80 favourite to
capture tomorrow night's $12,000 Taylors Hill Estate M1-M2 Pace.
Whilst class is on his side, a second line draw (gate
10) and the short 2090 metre trip will have some reluctant to label the
recognised stayer a good thing.
After a hat-trick of victories, the comeback kid
enjoyed a 10 week freshen up before returning for a fast finishing third to Cut
And Thrust at Ballarat on 27 September.
Victory tomorrow night would take the lightly raced
six-year-old's earnings past the $300,000 mark and ensure his prominence in
early Cup discussions.
Herbert has long earmarked Kilmore's $100,000 feature
on 26 October as Franco Heir's return to Group 1 action.
From there, Victoria's two marquee events, the
$250,000 SEW-Eurodrive Victoria Cup and $400,000 A.G.Hunter Cup, are firmly on
the drawing board.
"I've never made any secret that I think he can
win a big race again", Herbert added.
"His performances since I've had him have shown
me he's not a spent force and hopefully the Kilmore Cup will prove that."
The $12,000 Taylors Hill Estate Pace will be run at
8.17pm (AET).
