Tim Walker | Photo: PACEPIX

Reinsman Gary Hall Jnr is hoping race conditions bring out the best in Gary Hall Snr’s stable acquisition Franco Motu in tonight’s Beau Rivage Open For Xmas In July Pace (2130m) at Gloucester Park.

Franco Motu joined Hall Snr’s stable earlier this year, having won his only two starts in New Zealand.

Franco Motu was too slick for his rivals, headed by Machnificent, in a Byford trial last Saturday in his first public appearance for Hall Snr.

Hall Jnr said he was pleased with Franco Motu’s trial, having not show too much in trackwork.

“I wasn’t able to get much of a feel of him at home,” Hall Jnr told Racing WA Harness.

“His work was nothing great, but he sparked up at trials and turned into a horse.

“He’s been working up with Chase Me all the way along and he’s not in the same class of horse as Chase Me.

“Hopefully he just saves it for the big occasion.”

The four-year-old opened a $1.12 favourite with TABtouch for tonight’s event, where he will start from barrier six.

His main danger Fat Louie drew outside him in barrier eight, while Drive Line has drawn barrier five.

Hall Jnr said tonight was the perfect starting point for Franco Motu.

“It’s a good race for him,” he said.

“Based on the trial, even if he hasn’t improved off that, he should get the job done.

“He seems to be pretty versatile off what we’ve seen of him.

“I didn’t ask him to come out in that trial, but he wanted to.”

Hall Jnr said Franco Motu wasn’t purchased specifically for the Golden Nugget, but indicated he was capable to be targeted at the four-year-old feature later this year.

The star reinsman will team up with Hall Snr earlier on the Gloucester Park card when Im The Black Flash lines up in the Christmas In July Book Now Pace (2130m).

The five-year-old produced another good performance when third to Talks Up A Storm last Friday night and Hall Jnr said he expected more of the same tonight.

“I thought he was good the way he ran through the line,” he said.

“I’m not sure what happens early, but I think if Flash got to the front I don’t think they would see which way he went.

“Although he’s a better horse when he can be sat up.”