Improving filly French Accord breaks maiden at Sandown
French Accord has been rewarded for her consistent efforts with a maiden win at Sandown.
After securing second place in her initial two starts at Bendigo and Geelong, French Accord delivered a decisive performance to win the Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1200m) on Wednesday.
Ridden by Luke Currie, French Accord ($4.80) surged clear of her rivals to record a 2-¾ length victory over Brilliant Bull Ant ($26), with Luscombe ($5) finishing a half-length behind in third.
In the absence of trainer Robbie Griffiths, stable foreman Reid Balfour commented on the filly's resilience.
"But every time we keep raising the bar, she keeps meeting it," Balfour said.
The filly, acquired for $15,000 at the 2024 Inglis Premier Sale, did not initially carry high expectations regarding her early development.
"She was bought for $15,000 and Robbie was able to put some owners into her and she's repaying them in spades," Balfour added.
"She's not fully mature yet and will keep getting better with each preparation, so there's a lot to look forward to."
Currie, who had previously ridden French Accord when she was narrowly beaten at Geelong on July 10, noted her significant progress since that outing.
"She travelled up really well," Currie explained.
"She's been well educated and well worked out by Robbie and the team."
"Last time she was a bit stiff. She raced really well and loomed like she was going to win, but got a bit lost out wide there at Geelong."
"Today, she learnt from that and put them away quite quickly."
Currie indicated that French Accord possesses promising attributes and is expected to be a profitable asset for her trainer and owners.
"She keeps improving," Currie stated.
"She jumps well, settles, does everything you ask and she will be a nice filly going forward."
The Griffiths stable achieved a double on the Sandown card when Saluted claimed the Sportsbet Get On Extra Handicap (1000m).
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