Gate eleven seemed a big impost from the 1430 metre start at Traralgon yesterday for maiden French Affair stepping out at 0-62 level. Ibrahim Gundogdu was positive at the release and the mare jumped well. It was a small dash to the first turn, but French Affair got there and crossed to the fence to lead with room to spare.
For a short time French Affair overraced, but Ibrahim soon settled the mare and from then on they controlled the race. At
the home turn French Affair stole a margin. Come By Sunday was a late finisher but French Affair managed to hold her out to win by 0.2 length.
Ricky Maund explained after the race: “It was always going to be difficult from the wide alley, but I thought she’d be prominent from the gates so I asked Ibrahim to go forward. I was pleased with that. It was a tough win. She had to do it at both ends.”
French Affair became the 55th individual winner bred at Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm.
