Frankie arrives – just in time

Frankie Pinot was rewarded for his consistency with a victory at Pakenham on Saturday, December 4.

But punters who took the short quote about the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Frankie Pinot had to sweat as the gelding came from last to score a last-stride win in the 9Mile Fresh Handicap (1600m).

Early in the contest, the five-year-old was giving the leaders up to 20 lengths start and was still last with 400 metres to travel.

Under the urgings of 3kg claiming apprentice Madison Lloyd, Frankie Pinot stretched out powerfully to arrive in the last bound.

The solid $2.05 favourite, Frankie Pinot won by a nose from Holbien ($14) with Hi Stranger ($5.50), a length away third.

After winning at Sandown on September 1, the gelding ran very well for two seconds and two thirds from four runs during the rich spring carnival so deserved to break through again.

Trainer Calvin McEvoy was very relieved after the photo-finish result was posted.

“I don’t want to watch that again,” McEvoy laughed.

“Maddie’s (Madison Lloyd) claim was a big assist.

“He always jumps a little bit average, but I didn’t think I would be that far off them.

“She had to niggle him a little bit and I wasn’t confident at all going into the bend.

“He did a terrific job – well done to John and Anne McDonnell, they bred this horse and absolutely love him.

“He had some soundness issues early on in his career.

“Again, thank you to the McDonnells, they were patient and let us give him the time and they are getting rewarded now.

“We’ll probably back off him now, he’s been in for quite a long time.

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to the team at home, they presented him well and they have been working extremely hard.”

Jockey Madison Lloyd said it had been a tough ride with the right result.

“It was a very stressful ride,” Lloyd said.

“We thought at the mile (1600m) he would be closer to them but not off the bridle like that.

“He’s never been off the bridle like that with me.

“I couldn’t believe it at the corner but when I gave him a squeeze, he let down like usual.

“He jumped usual, but the rest of the field went flat out early, and I couldn’t believe it, he couldn’t keep up with them.”

Lloyd complimented Tony & Calvin McEvoy for giving her the ride.

“I’m so grateful for what they do for me.

“I’ve had a lot of support over the last couple of days, putting me, and I can’t thank the McEvoys enough.”