Capable flat performer Francis Drake has a date with a hurdle race somewhere in his future but that may not be for quite some time judging by the performance he put up when winning at Te Rapa on the weekend.
The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson trained five-year-old took out his seventh victory from 38 starts when he ran away and hid from his rivals in the Jumpflex NZ 2100 in the hands of leading rider Chris Johnson.
The National Jockeys' Premiership leader had his mount travelling easily in midfield during the early stages of the contest before allowing him to slide around to attack the leaders as heads turned for home.
Francis Drake quickly took over and dashed clear as he cruised to the line well clear of runner-up Rough Cut who made ground nicely without threatening the winner.
It was the Tavistock gelding's fifth win at the venue, with the four-length winning margin made even more impressive considering he carried a clear topweight of 61kgs in the event.
