When talented Tasmanian harness racing trainer Marc Butler was offered the chance to take over the training of a well-performed four-year-old he jumped at the chance.
The horse in question was Franco Sheffield, a New Zealand-bred pacer owned by Jamie Cockshutt and Barry Cooper who have been a formidable combination and a force in Tasmania's owner ranks for many years.
At UBET Park Hobart on Sunday night Franco Sheffield proved he still has a lot to give and Butler, while not becoming overawed by his effort to win a C4-C5 by almost 19 metres, was quick to admit the gelding could be his next "good horse".
Butler owned and trained Joesashyguy that won him a Tasmanian Derby and was still delivering stellar performances beyond his use-by date but for the time being this gelded son of Live Or Die has the potential to put Butler, a boutique trainer these days, back in the harness racing spotlight.
On Sunday night Franco Sheffield showed good gate speed to lead from barrier four and once in front, driver Ricky Duggan had a battle to hold hm.
"When he led he wanted to get on with the job pretty much from the outset but he eventually came back to me," Duggan said.
"Entering the back straight the last time he kept tugging so when I let him go he just powered away and went on to win as he liked and I never had to pull the plugs," he said.
Franco Sheffield hit the line 18-1/2 metres clear of Punt Road Disco with Sky Tower just over a metre away third.
He clocked a mile rate of two minutes and small change but ran home his last half mile (800m) in a slick 56.2 seconds which is outstanding on the Hobart circuit at the moment.
The five-year-old was having only his third start for Butler who acquired the gelding from Juanita McKenzie who had to find room for a few new horses and Franco Sheffield was one that was selected to be rehomed.
"He has been with me for about six months and this was only his third start for me and from what he showed there should be more wins in him that's for sure," Butler said.
"He doesn't do much wrong – he's pretty much a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of horse."
"He is going to have to improve because he is getting up in grade but I am quietly confident he can deliver," he said.
Peter Staples