Persistence pays for Franky

Champions Thoroughbred's enigmatic galloper Frankincense produced his best to record a strong victory at Pakenham on Thursday.

It was the New Zealand-bred gelding's third win from 19 starts in career that has promised much.

"He has produced some amazing jump outs, yet hasn't quite lived up to on the track," winning jockey Daniel Moor said.

"Earlier this preparation, he trialled up next to Group 1 winner Tivachi and you would think, even though that was only an 800m jump out, that that would be good enough for some of the lower grade races he has been contesting.

"When he is genuine he has good ability and today he was able to travel nicely outside the leader and he gave a strong kick that he held through to the line. He appears to really like the surface."

The Makfi four-year-old holds a supplementary nomination for the Inglis Great Sourthern Sale later this month, and trainer Danny O'Brien said he was likely to back up the gelding on a synthetic surface again shortly before the sale.

"He might go through the ring, but we are looking at taking him to Geelong next week and give the owners another look at him before they decide on his future," O'Brien said.

Pic by Racing Photos