Francent continues flying start to North American racing

New Zealand-bred mare Francent N (Vincent) continued her flying start to North American harness racing with a sharp victory in the $50,000 Fillies and Mares Open Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday night.

The six-year-old made it three consecutive wins when she defeated a quality field in 1:48.1, providing an ideal lead-up to next Saturday’s Milton Stakes.

Driver Louis-Philippe Roy was positive early with Francent N, working forward before settling into the trail behind champion mare Twin B Joe Fresh, who took control approaching the half in :54.1.

Twin B Joe Fresh continued to dictate through three-quarters in 1:21.4, with Francent N locked away behind her as the field turned for home.

Roy had to wait for an opportunity, but when Twin B Joe Fresh shifted away from the pylons in the stretch, Francent N quickly took advantage.

The Kiwi-bred mare sprinted through along the inside and grabbed the lead late, holding off the fast-finishing Rodeo Drive Deo by half a length.

Twin B Joe Fresh finished third.

FRANCENT N REPLAY

Francent N has quickly established herself among the leading North American mares since making her debut at Yonkers Raceway on July 31.

Saturday’s victory followed a top-level success at Yonkers and extended her winning sequence to three.

The performance also came against a field containing seven of the nine mares entered for next weekend’s Milton Stakes, a race Francent N has been supplemented into.

Jacques Dupont took over the training duties from Pat Lachance for Saturday’s Canadian assignment.

Owned by Ecurie CSL, Francent N is by Vincent out of Mary Niven and has now won six of her 12 starts this season.

Her career record stands at 16 wins from 34 starts, with earnings of $315,017.

Francent N returned $4.20 to win.

From Harnesslink Media