French Emotion returned to winning form with a fast-finishing victory in the 2016 Blazer Stakes at Flemington this afternoon.
French Emotion could head to the Myer Classic following her win in the Blazer Stakes. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
French Emotion had proven to be a frustrating horse for punters in her six race starts since he win at Moonee Valley in March, but the decision of Ben Melham to settle her off the pace in the Blazer Stakes paid dividends as she finished over the top of her rivals.
Melham said that French Emotion had taken a while to reach peak fitness during her 2016 Spring Racing Carnival campaign and he believes that getting back on a firm surface was also crucial for the daughter of Snitzel.
“This preparation she has taken a couple of runs to get ready and the key to her is back on top of a firm surface,” Melham said.
“Today she has drawn a barrier where we were able to ride her a little bit conservative and get her into a rhythm and she has an explosive turn-of-foot when she gets the conditions to suit.
“She has taken a couple of runs to get ready, but she is ready now and with that turn-of-foot she has got she can measure up with some better mares.”
Chris Waller stable representative Joanne Taylor agreed that the change of tactics was crucial to the Blazer Stakes success of French Emotion and she was happy to see the mare hit the line in such convincing fashion.
Taylor implied that the race like the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day could be on the agenda for French Emotion and she believes that the Blazer Stakes winner is capable of competing at that level.
“The last time she ran in this sort of company she ran on the speed and she was just found wanting over the final couple of hundred,” Taylor said.
“She is a lovely versatile filly and if we can continue to get good tracks and the rain stays at bay there is no reason why she shouldn’t be able to take the next step if she gains enough confidence from this.”
Pure Pride savaged the line to finish second in a career best performance, while Vibrant Rouge maintained her consistent form with another gallant effort.
