Training might be just a hobby for Glenn Frazer these days but recent results prove he's still got the knack for preparing winners.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Coonabarabran-based Frazer only has a few horses in work and only had the one chance in at Dubbo's bumper Derby Day meeting on Saturday, but that was all he needed.
Mitrust won the Maas Group Western Eagle Bench 58 Handicap (2200m) for Frazer, with the extra distance making all the difference.
"I've had him for a little while but I've just had trouble finding suitable races that are long enough," Frazer said.
"He needs 2000 metres-plus and that played into his hands. He won quite well and the jockey was pleased with the run so it was good to see him show some form."
READ ALSO:
Mitrust has been in the west for roughly a year since making the moves from the Victorian stables of Richard Laming, and Saturday marked the first time he's been stretched out beyond 1600m for Frazer.
Frazer and jockey Anthony Cavallo went into the Western Eagle in a positive mood and that was rewarded as Mitrust ($4) finished best to account for Cthonia ($4.20) and Bandahara ($8).
Cthonia was again a consistent force for Mudgee trainer Mark Milton, and did plenty of work up front with The Browzer ($3.40 favourite) for much of the trip.
The two set a strong pace down the back straight while Cavallo and Mitrust sat midfield in fifth.
As the field rounded the bend for home Cavallo was able to Mitrust peel wider, and then he had a clear run to the lead.
I thought it was the best chance since I'd had him, because the track and distance was ideal.
- Glenn Frazer
Mitrust went on to win the Western Eagle by more than a length.
"I thought it was the best chance since I'd had him, because the track and distance was ideal," Frazer added.
Frazer only has the four horses to his name and has only raced 22 times this year but there has been handy results recently.
Long-time maiden Akaka Falls finally broke through for a deserved win at the Coonamble showcase meeting earlier this month and he followed that up with a second-placed finish at Coonabarabran.
"I only do it for a bit of a hobby and only have a few in work," he said.
"I used to train, years ago, full-time but I do it as a hobby now and the horses are going great."
Making Saturday's win that little more satisfying was the crowd of more than 2000 people on hand for the meeting.
It was the biggest crowd seen at a western track in some time due to COVID restrictions and winning trainers and jockeys savoured the occasion.
"Definitely. It's good to see things are on the way back," Frazer said.
Mitrust, now with an overall record of five wins and seven placings from 33 starts, is expected to go around next in a benchmark 58 event over 2200m at Orange on November 19.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News