'Pure toughness' brings up the hat-trick for Fratas

The likeable Fratas completed a hat-trick in the Newtown Fillies Handicap, battling gamely under Jamie Powell to see off 6/4 market leader Royal Eagle

Recording her fourth win of the season, the Michael Mulvany-trained three-year-old was sent off a 10/3 chance in the colours of Raymond McMahon.

Drawn widest of all, the Fracas chestnut soon made her way to the front and while joined by Royal Eagle with over half-a-mile to race, she found more when ridden from the furlong pole, going on to prevail by half-a-length.

Bidding to make it three from three at Tramore, Royal Eagle had to settle for the runner-up spot under Jake Coen for Gordon Elliott, while Rockview Consort was another length-and-three-quarters back in third.

"She is really tough and Jamie said that pure toughness won it for her. He said that she didn't like the track, she didn't like the twisting and turning but it was the same for them all out there," Mulvaney commented.

"We haven't anything planned for her, she is after doing everything we've asked of her. That's three on the bounce now and she has really paid her way.

"She was schooled over hurdles before I got her and she is supposed to be a good jumper. She might be getting a bit too valuable to be going that route though."