Frugal Fare’s tough win

Ghostly grey gelding Frugal Fare (Changeover) brought back memories of his dam’s sire the mighty Lombo Pocket Watch when he showed great resilience with a tough harness racing win in the Belaldo Coffee Pace at Melton on Saturday night.

Solidly supported into favourite despite his awkward draw Frugal Fare was eased back early by driver Ryan Sanderson with Lorimermajor holding the lead in a keenly run race from the beginning.

Going into the back straight for the first time, Sanderson allowed Frugal Fare to whizz around the field and at some stage was three wide before taking the lead coming in for the bell.

FRUGAL FARE MAR 29 REPLAY

Chris Alford on Captain Maastricht made a lightning move along the back straight to nudge ahead of Frugal Fare but the grey continued to find something and he regained the lead on straightening. Even though he had a difficult run Frugal Fare just kept going and at the finish he had just over two metres to spare over Luva Secret who ran for second with Captain Maastricht fading on his to finish third.

His win was made more impressive by his mile rate of 1.55.6 although at his previous start he went 1.54 at Bendigo.

A lightly raced seven year old with only ten race appearances Frugal Fare has now won his last four starts and could well continue to make his presence felt as he goes through the classes.

Driver Ryan Sanderson was certainly impressed following the event.

“From what I know of him they just left him in the paddock. So they’ve had a lot of fun with him. He’s a really late age so he’s definitely got a motor on him and having a bit of fun.”

“I was really impressed with his time. He’s always felt like he’s had a good attitude and he’s got a good motor so gives you great confidence to kind of put to him into the race.”

“I think he’ll be at headquarters a little bit more often but if he keeps going the way he’s definitely got the temperament and attitude to you know to mix it with the nice horses here.”

Frugal Fare is a very showy looking horse and he’ll have plenty of supporters when he races next. He may not reach the heights of his illustrious dam’s sire Lombo Pocket Watch but he will more than pay his way in the future.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink