Franciscan Rock

Franciscan Rock was impressive in getting off the mark over hurdles at Thurles last Thursday. Prominent from early, he moved into a share of the lead as they passed the winning post with a circuit to run, and he moved into a clear lead at the second flight down the back straight. The favourite Sir Argus moved up threateningly behind him as they ran to the home turn, but when Ricky Doyle asked his horse to pick up on landing over the second last flight, his response was impressive. He came away from his rival on the run to the last, jumped that well and kept on nicely all the way to the line.

Franciscan Rock had finished placed in his four most recent races over hurdles before Thursday, he had finished second to two talented horses in his two most recent races, and this was a nice step forward from him. Mouse Morris’ horse is progressing with experience, but, as well as that, he was back up in distance to almost three miles here, and that may be significant. There is plenty of stamina in his pedigree, he is surely a staying chaser in the medium term but, in the interim, he will be of interest in other staying hurdles between now and the end of the season.
Thurles, 23^rd February 2023