ASTON Missile delivered a clinic to claim the $150,000 Lakeside Cup final over 457m at Q1 Lakeside, taking home the $100,000 winner’s cheque.
The Michelle Sultana-trained chaser started favourite at $2.30, but it was second-favourite Canya Romance ($5) who burst out of the boxes to take the early lead.
Aston Missile settled into pursuit before unleashing his challenge around the turn, swinging wide into the straight and powering past the leader to win by four lengths.
The son of Tommy Shelby and Aston Flame was not about to let another major final slip away after finishing fourth in last month’s Group 3 Ipswich Derby final.
The victory marked his sixth win from 15 career starts and delivered a major payday for the Sultana kennel.
Bentley Kristoff storms to Merv Page Trophy glory
Roughie Why Should She ($91) flew out of the boxes to grab the early lead in the Merv Page Trophy final over 550m at Q1 Lakeside, but it was Bentley Kristoff ($3.30) who stole the show with a dominant victory.
The Mathew Reid-trained chaser put five lengths on the chasing pack before running on strongly to claim the trophy.
The son of Jungle Deuce and Amber Ale has now recorded 11 wins and six placings from 24 career starts, continuing an impressive rise through the ranks.
Run The Gauntlet ($11) capitalised on a dramatic turn of events to claim the Group 3 Past Members Trophy.
Not Half Bad ($8) jumped to the early lead, with Moet Magic ($12) in pursuit and Midnight Queen ($3.90) making her move along the rails before swinging wide to challenge.
Midnight Queen looked poised to take the victory, but a check from a chaser disrupted her momentum and opened the door for Run The Gauntlet to charge through and claim the win.
The Ella Cole-trained dog, a son of Sh Avatar and Jillibilly Litsa, has now recorded 16 wins and 21 placings from 57 career starts, with career prize money reaching $120,000.
Master trainer Travis Elson enjoyed a stellar night at Q1 Lakeside, producing four winners from the 14-race card over the 352m distance.
Elson’s haul included a winning debut for All Stripe, dominant performances from siblings Summer’s Dunay and Summer’s Scrub, and a fourth victory courtesy of Boom Two Down.
All Stripe opened the kennel’s account in race three, saluting as the $2.25 favourite on debut.
Race six saw Summer’s Dunay justify the heavy support, jumping at $1.14 and powering home four lengths clear of the chasing pack.
Her full brother and kennelmate Summer’s Scrub followed suit in race nine, while Elson completed his race-to-race double with Boom Two Down in race 10, the $1.18 favourite.
