Francophone

What makes those wins particularly striking is the story behind them. After a disappointing run at Pontefract, Johnston himself was tempted to drop her into easier company — and by his own admission is glad he resisted. At Goodwood the previous year, he had taken a risk running her back quickly, but she had come out of her previous race in such good condition that the team decided to chance it. That decision paid off handsomely. These are not lucky wins; they are the product of a yard that reads its horses well, and a horse that responds when given the right opportunity.

Johnston's yard has sent out 128 winners already this season, which tells you something about the operation Francophone calls home. Her regular partner is Joe Fanning, who has ridden her in 13 of her 15 races and shares those 4 wins — winning roughly 1 in every 3 times they line up together, a notably strong record. That kind of consistency between horse and jockey usually means something.

Looking ahead to this season, Johnston's plan is ambitious. He is pointing Francophone at the top Group races for older horses, likely starting at the Guineas meeting, and believes she is capable of improving again at five — she is a big, powerful horse who may not have fully filled into her frame yet. She prefers faster, dry ground and can race anywhere between a mile and a mile and a quarter. With her last win only seven months ago and a race just yesterday, she is fit, active, and squarely aimed at the biggest prizes available to her. The next few months should be well worth watching.