Michael Bellman, pictured driving Stunning Grin for Vince Vallelonga. Bellman produced a peach of a drive aboard Major Crocker at Mildura last night to break the track record.
Vince Vallelonga wants to trek north with stable star Major Crocker after his record-breaking return at Mildura trots last night.
It was a headline grabbing return for the Art Major/Aratusa Lass gelding, the build-up to the night’s feature lengthy due to a delay caused by the ambulance treating an on-course patron.
But once the mobile arms folded back it was go time for the reigning Inter Dominion Consolation winner, who as a three-year-old in 2014 won both the Southern Cross and Breeders Crown finals.
Despite starting from barrier 10, Ararat driver Michael Bellman wasted no time plotting a course through the field, pushing on to find the lead after just 300 metres.
“We spoke beforehand and Mick said he thought the three (The Dapper Don) would lead, so we’ll keep punching forward,” Vallelonga said.
The plan paid off, Major Crocker classes above last night’s rivals once he found his favourite role.
Now it’s off to Queensland for Major Crocker, who is likely to tackle the Sunshine Sprint (Group 2, Albion Park, July 9) and the Blacks A Fake (Group 1, Albion Park, July 16).
“I’d had it pencilled in as a possibility but it all depended on last night. It wasn’t who he beat last night but it was the way he beat them and the times he ran. He’s also the type of horse who will only get better with racing,” Vallelonga said.
“I was a bit surprised (with last night) actually. We were going to trial at Melton on Tuesday but I was going to Mildura anyway, so I took him up there and we thought we’d see how he goes. I never expected him to do what he did.”
WATCH MAJOR CROCKER BREAK THE TRACK RECORD AT MILDURA LAST NIGHT
Major Crocker produced a mile rate of 1:55.6 (30.7secs, 30.1secs, 28.2secs and 27.8secs) quarters of his final mile (last half 56).
Vallelonga, based in Bolinda, said Major Crocker’s plan this year would be similar to last season with the Breeders Crown Free-for-All a target on the way to another Perth Inter Dominion campaign.
“He’s come back a better horse. He’s more seasoned and more mature. This year and next year I’m sure he’ll keep getting better.”
Media enquiries:
Cody Winnell (HRV Media/Communications Manager)
t: 03 8378 0288 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au | tw: @codywinnell
