Trainer Nathan Jack’s persistence was rewarded when his talented harness racing filly Violet Stanford (Volstead) made amends when taking out the $70,000 Hyland Harness Colours Breeders Crown 3YO Trotting Fillies Final at Melton.
Last season Violet Stanford took all before her winning all her five starts. And then this season she started the season with a bang winning her first three appearances.
However she was unfortunate to run into Keayang Zahara who then defeated her at her next four appearances. Nonetheless Jack continued on with her preparation and when she drew barrier 2 in the final she was installed as a hot favourite.
Commencing safely, Violet Stanford went straight to the front and from then on was never seriously threatened.
Jilliby Ballerini who was back mid field finished strongly to run second just under 3 metres from the winner with Centurion Dream a credible third.
Nathan Jack was matter of fact after the event.
“She’s one of my favourite horses. She’s been great to me throughout to me and I just love her. She wasn’t that impressive tonight but after the line when they came at her she went again. That’s just her. She’ll never knock herself about. She’ll have a good spell now and then get ready for Queensland. She’ll have a quiet year next year and just concentrate on the Sires and Queensland.
Jack was also effusive in his praise of his star three year old trotter Derek the Jet. “If they work together at home he’d just blow her away”. But they’re both great horses and I’m lucky to have them both in my stable. That’s for sure”.
For complete race results, click here.
by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink