Franfield humbles Seeking My Dream

The 2015 Superstakes winner FRANFIELD produced a terrific stretch run to catch and beat the howling 2-5 favourite SEEKING MY DREAM in yesterday's grade one feature for the Chairman's Trophy over 1500 metres at Caymanas Park.

FRANFIELD, running at odds of 4-1 with three-time champion jockey Dane Nelson, riding for trainer Richard Azan, won by 11/4 lengths from the Wayne DaCosta-trained SEEKING MY DREAM in a fast 1:31.0.

It was FRANFIELD'S first race since December 5, when he finished fifth to SEEKING MY DREAM in the inaugural running of the $6.5 million Diamond Mile.

UPPA TUNE (7-2) showed superior speed to lead comfortably from SEEKING MY DREAM and CAMPESINO, passing the half mile, at which stage FRANFIELD was taken off the pace to settle in fourth by Nelson.

SEEKING MY DREAM, ridden by Omar Walker, disposed of the American-bred horse UPPA TUNE on entering the straight, but although looking the likely winner when two lengths clear of CAMPESINO a furlong out, proved no match for the fast-finishing FRANFIELD in the last 100 metres.

Azan, who co-owns FRANFIELD with champion owners the Elite Bloodstock Limited, was elated to win in this quality field following a three-month layoff.

"He had been working very well for the race and, racing from the convenient mark of 52.5kg, I thought his chances were as good as any.

"As it turned out, Nelson rode a perfect race from off the pace, and with this victory, Franfield should impact on the big grade one races this season with a view of winning a second Superstakes in November," he said.

In-form jockey Aaron Chatrie highlighted the 10-race programme with three winners, while Wayne DaCosta and Gary Subratie shared the training honours with two each. Next Saturday's programme will feature the Guineas trials - the Prince Consort Stakes for 3-y-o colts and the Thornbird Stakes for the fillies, both over 1400 metres.