TWO current track record holders dominated QGold finals night at Q1 Lakeside, with Validate and Wolf Creek once again rising to the occasion to deliver winning performances under championship pressure.
Validate headlined the program with another statement run, powering to victory in the QGold Summer Chase Final (550m) and continuing his remarkable dominance at the circuit.
Sent out a commanding $1.40 favourite, the Aston Rupee x Strike Her Pose chaser again showed why he is regarded as one of Queensland’s most exciting sprinters.
Trained by Jeff Crawford, Validate had already stamped his authority on the meeting a week earlier when he smashed the 550m track record in his heat with a blistering 30.18.
He has now broken both the 457m and 550m records at Q1 Lakeside and boasts an outstanding career record of 24 wins and 11 placings from 42 starts, including a perfect four-from-four over the 550m at the track.
“Validate performed as I expected he would as I was confident he’d get a good run from box seven,” Crawford said.
“He did, however, check heavily with the six dog shortly after box rise which cost him momentum, but he overcame that to balance up and set out after the early leader. Once he hit the lead he was able to extend for a comprehensive win. Very pleased with how he is going.”
Crawford capped off a memorable double on the program by also claiming the QGold Bolt Final (390m) with Strut.
The $9.50 outsider caused a boilover, chasing down $1.70 favourite Hara’s Neo to score a surprise victory.
“Strut really surprised us with his win,” Crawford said. “He’s been off the scene with injuries but returned last week with a really encouraging placing in the heat.
“He jumped well and chased down a very much in-form sprinter to win on the line in super time.
“Not sure where I’ll go with him just yet, but there are plenty of options. Validate will be nominated for the 600m heats at Q2 in preparation for some nice races coming up over the carnival.”
Wolf Creek claimed the Emerging Sprinters Final, further underlining his affinity with Q1 Lakeside.
From six starts over the 457m at the track, he has now won four times and holds the track record at 352m, confirming his status as a rising star.
“He had to do everything right to beat the favourite, Pop’s Maestro,” trainer Tony Brett said.
“He ran a personal best and the best time of the night. To peel off a run like that in a big final is always good.
“He’s such a good chaser and gives me everything he’s got every week.”
