Mission accomplished by Francesco

Wanted’s lightly-raced gelding Francesco produced a super performance when resuming from a long spell on Monday.

Trained by Gai Waterhouse, he had been off the scene since running in last year’s G1 Blue Diamond behind Earthquake but didn’t take long to shake off the rust at Kembla.

Caught well back and wide for most of the journey, it was a truly remarkable effort by Francesco and there was a lot to like about the way he hit the line…nearly five lengths clear of his nearest rival.

Waterhouse has always had a huge opinion of Francesco and believes he can furnish into a really nice horse.  “I told Blake (Shinn) to ride him like he was the best horse the race.  And, on this occasion I’m proud to say, mission accomplished!

“Wanted was a new sire when I purchased Francesco for Greg and Donna Kolivos.  I took a punt on a cracking type by a new sire and I feel now, that after this win, Francesco can go onto bigger and better things.”

Francesco is a younger half-brother to Brisbane stakes winner Hoss Amor and he’s likely to have plenty of company in the spring from fellow Wanteds such as Rough Justice, a Flemington winner at the end of June, Dead Or Alive (a 2YO stakes winner in May) and the John Hawkes-trained, one time Magic Millions 2YO Classic favourite, Surf Seeker.

“We’re very confident about Wanted’s progeny in the coming months,” Eliza Park International’s Sales & Nominations Manager, Mark Lindsay points out.  “His yearlings have sold for $220,000, $180,000, $115,000, $105,000 and $100,000 in 2015 and, not surprisingly, buyers include leading trainers like Gai and John Hawkes.

“It’s worth pointing out that from his first crop of 3YOs – which includes Rough Justice and Francesco – he only had 49 live foals, but from there he’s got 71 2YOs and 124 yearlings…that’s quite a bit more firepower waiting in the wings!”

Eliza Park International will stand Wanted for a $16,500 (inc gst) service fee this year.

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