Rank outsider Kaiser Franz has produced a perfectly-time sprint in the final straight at Eagle Farm this afternoon to win the Group 3 Premier’s Cup (2200m).

Kaiser Franz (pictured winning at Doomben) beat a classy field to win this afternoon’s Group 3 Premier’s Cup. Photo: Daniel Costello

Starting a $61 chance in Premier’s Cup betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, Kaiser Franz jumped from the gates well this afternoon, but was settled towards the tail of the field by jockey Robbie Fradd as Auvray, The Chairman and Jumbo Prince dictated early terms.

Settling into a good rhythm and experiencing a carefree run in transit, the son of Savabeel held a position on the fence rounding onto the final straight and was allowed plenty of time to balance before Fradd asked for an extra effort.

Pulling alongside the likes of Zambezi Warrior, The Chairman and Benzini with 200m to run, Kaiser Franz dug deep to hit the line half a length ahead and post his first race win for more than a year.

“He proved that he liked this track when he ran third a couple of starts ago and I thought it was a good run,” Fradd said after crossing the line.

“You have to have a horse who suits this track, and it suited him down to the ground today.

“I tried to ride him as best as I could. I was three-deep, but pretty happy because I was on newish ground and he wasn’t faltering.”

Trainer Robert Heathcote was understandable thrilled with Kaiser Franz’s performance to win the Premier’s Cup and confirmed that he will progress to the Group 2 Brisbane Cup (2400m) at Eagle Farm in a fortnight.

“He’s run second-last and gone at the 600m last start, but I liked his run before on this track,” Heathcote said.

“My guy had to show that he was up to that class and some could argue that he suited the track best. I noticed he was at long odds before the jump, but I don’t care now!

“Today was his big test and I said that to the owners. I had a really sneaky feeling he’d handle this track and he’ll love it.

“He just kept grinding away and he really looks like he’ll get the distance.”

Zambezi Warrior maintained to the line well to finish second, whilst both The Chairman (third) and Benzini (fourth) will relish a return to a mile-and-a-half next start.