Valtino cracks big one

Classy colt Valtino (Love You) was rewarded for his consistency when he scored in the $60,000 Group 2 Hygain Breeders Crown Trotters Final for three year old harness racing colts and geldings at Melton last night.

In an entertaining battle, Valtino was locked in a thrilling clash with second favourite Mister Blindside.

The race was on early with great speed shown by Thunda Struck who found the lead only to surrender to Kyvalley Michael. But no sooner had he found the front, Chris Alford found himself surrendering the lead with Mister Blindside. Meanwhile Greg Sugars abroad Valtino made his run three wide at the bell. 

Going into the back straight Valtino and Mister Blindside were locked together and drew away from the remainder of the field. 

In a stirring finish Valtino went to a slight lead but Mister Blindside fought back determinedly, and Valtino prevailed by a metre with Thunda Struck a further 55 metres away third. The winner’s mile rate was a very creditable 1.56.7 for the 2240 metres. 

VALTINO!
Blake Fitzpatrick and Greg Sugars combine with Valtino, who gets the better of Mister Blindside to win the Hygain Breeders Crown three-year-old trotting colts and geldings' final. pic.twitter.com/VX0koU6Rq1

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) November 16, 2024

Trained by prominent identity Blake Fitzpatrick at Cawdor, Valtino showed great promise as a two year old winning the Vic Bred Two Year Old Final, but this time in has been unfortunate having to race against the outstanding unbeaten Keayang Zahara. He was entitled to be the favourite following his second placing in both heat and final of the Victoria Trotters Derby. 

Driver Greg Sugars was relieved after the event.

“I was pleased as I have had a great association with Blake and Lisa Fitzpatrick. It was a tough effort but all the worthwhile. I think he’s still improving and hopefully there is more to come for him. I was always very confident with this horse’s ability as he was the best horse in the race”.

Mister Blindside showed plenty of pluck in holding on for second placing and he will improve on that effort. 

Valtino will now go back to the Fitzpatrick stables for a well earned spell and he should work his way through the classes to compete amongst the best. He may not be in the same league of Keayang Zahara but he has the ability to be a good money spinner in feature races. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink