Bright Future for Fresco Friar

Blackfriars gelding Fresco Friar could be the next feature winner to emerge for Ascot trainer Gino Poletti.

Poletti believes Fresco Friar is a WA Derby type and will probably spell him after a last-to-first victory in the Westspeed 3YO Hcp (1400m) at Belmont last Wednesday.

Fresco Friar (3g Blackfriars – Turkmenia by Spinning World) finished midfield on debut in August and then looked a good thing beaten when he just failed to catch Lady By Chance on September 4.

The lightly-raced galloper broke through when stepping up a furlong third time out at Belmont.  He produced a barnstorming finish to defeat last-start winner Via Laurentina (Stratum) by a short head.  Third home Run For Rum (Citidancer) came out and franked the form with a smart win at Belmont on Saturday.

“He’s missed the kick at all three starts and is still very green,” Poletti said.  “I’ve always known he’s going to be handy but he just has to mature mentally.”

Poletti and stable jockey have Shaun O’Donnell have enjoyed a whirlwind 12 months winning the G1 Railway Stakes with Luckygray (Bradbury’s Luck) and LR Kalgoorlie Cup with Classique Ivory (Savabeel).

Fresco Friar is a son of Scenic Lodge champion Blackfriars and is raced by owner-breeder David Reed.  He’s the only foal to race from Turkmenia.  Second-dam I Do Hula (Hula Chief) is a sister to G2 WA Guineas winner Vows.

Blackfriars (Danehill) has been Sunspeed champion for the last three seasons.  He sired 2012 WA Derby winner Rohan and the last two WA Oaks with Summah’s Touch & Pop Culture.

Scenic Lodge stands Blackfriars for a $22,000 (inc gst) service fee.