JEFF Crawford didn’t just win races on Saturday — he owned the meeting.
The master trainer produced a commanding four-win haul at Q1 Lakeside, delivering a performance that showcased the depth, versatility and strike-rate of his kennel.
“A very nice night for the kennel,” Crawford told Local Ipswich News after the meeting. “They all impressed me in varying ways.
“Both Strut and Finest Cut had to overcome wide draws and race on the outside of the speed. They really put in, and their efforts allowed them to find the front at the top of the straight and go on to nice victories.”
The afternoon was headlined by the blistering performance of Strut, who justified his short-priced favouritism and further cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting chasers emerging through the grades.
Jumping from the pink, the Aston Rupee x Strike Her Pose dog was slow into stride and settled near last early. Once he found clear running and angled wide approaching the turn, however, the race was effectively over. Strut unleashed a devastating burst of acceleration to sweep to the front and power away for a dominant victory.
It was a win that perfectly summed up his profile — elite speed paired with sharp race sense. Strut has now missed the placings just three times in his past 15 starts and boasts a strong record of six wins and nine placings from 22 career runs. He also continues to elevate the standing of a standout litter that includes Validate, Group 3 winner Star Turn and 2025 Ipswich Derby Final runner-up Miles On It.
It was brother Validate who strengthened Crawford’s dominance of the afternoon, producing another clinical performance. Spearing through the middle before exploding clear around the bend, the Aston Rupee x Strike Her Pose speedster posted a five-length victory to edge closer to the $200,000 prize-money mark. His career record now stands at 26 wins and 13 placings from 48 starts.
“Validate did what Validate is always capable of given room — sheer speed from mid-race to the winning post,” Crawford said.
Earlier on the card, Crawford won with Ringbark Larry. The Sennachie x Ringbark Ruby chaser won by 4.25 lengths, lifting his career tally to 15 wins and 12 placings from 48 starts, with earnings now beyond $70,000.
“I was happy to see him jump so well and find the lead early,” Crawford said. “From there he was in control and hit the line nicely for a great win.”
Finest Cut delivered a polished and professional performance over the 457m while installed as the $2.80 favourite, cruising to a commanding four-and-a-half-length victory.
Looking ahead, Crawford confirmed a busy week for his kennel.
“Strut and Finest Cut will head to some provincial races to try and win their graded races,” he said. “Ringbark Larry will be in a final this Saturday night, while Validate and his brother Star Turn will contest Thursday night’s heats of the Gold Bullion at the Q2 circuit.”
For Crawford, it was an afternoon that spoke volumes — not just about individual stars, but about a kennel brimming with depth, momentum and genuine race-winning firepower.
