Bridge survives Cyclone on track & in stewards room

Conon Bridge defeated Cyclone Chief by a metre to claim Group 1 glory in the Aldebaran Park Breeders Crown 2YO Colts and Geldings Trotters Final at Melton’s Super Sunday program.

The Paul Nairn-trained son of Raffaello Ambrosio/Diedre’s Girl survived a protest from the second horse, with the winner veering inwards in the home straight.

However, stewards couldn’t be satisfied that the interference cost Cyclone Chief the race and the first horse over the line held his position, much to the relief of the favourite punters.

Bob Butt drove the winner and Todd MacFarlane was aboard the second horse.

Conon Bridge started $1.40 and led throughout from the pole, his winning mile rate 2:03.9.

Cruisin Around ran a mighty race for trainer Michael Hughes and driver Greg Sugars to finish third, while Sundons Courage was fourth from three back along the pegs, running on well after a slow early pace up front.

Reina Danzante goes all the way in fillies' final

Reina Danzante won her second Group 1 for trainer Nicole Molander and driver Chris Alford with an all-the-way triumph in today’s IMV Technologies Breeders Cown Final for 3YO trotting fillies.

The daughter of Armbro Invasion out of champion mare La Coocaracha led from barrier four to score by a neck in a mile rate of 2:00.9, Glenferrie Burn running on for second and My Arya finishing third.

“Nicole and Dean (Molander) have done a super job,” Alford said.

“Two Group 1s has been great and she should only get better too.”

Once in front Reina Danzante posted a 31.4secs first quarter before a 29.4 second split.

Reina Danzante got home in 58.7secs.

Reina Danzante won the Vicbred Super Series earlier this season.

by Cody Winnell