FRENCH stars Patrick Biancone and Eric Legrix gave a timely reminder last night that they are very much part of the late-season action with a back-to-back winning double.
The focus has been on the battle for the trainers' championship between Ivan Allan and David Hayes, but Biancone had his slice of the Saturday night glory with a sparkling, 49-1 twosome in races four and five.
It was a deserved victory for Double Expresso in the Classes One and Two, 1,400-metre fourth event as the horse had been knocked sideways in a similar event a week previously when just coming right into the action.
'It was annoying at the time but now we have every reason to be happy. The week off did not do him any harm but it was good to have him in it. Double Expresso was ready for the race and it was a satisfying win,' said Biancone.
Double Expresso was ridden patiently off the pace by Legrix and swooped in the final 150 metres to win well from the ever-consistent Straight Way (6-1) who also came, as is usual now, from fairly well back in the field of 14.
Time Strong was totally unwanted at 50-1 despite the fact that he finished second at his last start a week previously - also at a huge quote. He battled on well for claimer Eddie W. M. Lai.
The disappointment of the race was favourite We Know When (9-2), who plodded home for eighth, passing a couple of tired horses but doing absolutely nothing to justify his position as public elect.