The mother-and-son team of Marg and Paddy Lee took the training honours at Melton with a winning treble on Saturday night.
Lightly-raced five-year-old Keayang Tokyo launched the evening for the western district-based stable when he made a long-awaited return to the winner’s stall in the Mimosa Homes Free For All.
Runner-up at his past two starts, Keayang Tokyo camped on the back of the leader and $2.60 favourite Yambukian before dashing through along the sprint lane to get the verdict by a head from Better Eclipse and Bettor Isolate in a mile rate of 1:54.4.
It was the son of Captaintreacherous’ first win since scoring on Kilmore Cup night in September last year.
Later in the evening, the stable was denied the quinella in the APG Trot in spectacular fashion when the leader and $2.50 favourite Imperial Monarch galloped half-way down the home straight.
Imperial Monarch appeared set for victory when he broke, paving the way for stablemate Keayang Stuka to steal victory via the sprint lane.
Keayang Stuka’s driver Lochie Cook turned a few heads after the race when he indicated his charge was always going to win.
“We had a good run and I think we were going to get the leader but him galloping made it easier for us,” Cook said.
The 25-year-old Cook acknowledged Keayang Stuka has helped progress his career in the sulky after partnering him into third place behind The Locomotive in last year’s Inter Dominion Trotters Final in Sydney.
“He has taken me on a great ride, got me in some big races and hopefully this is a stepping stone for him in this preparation and he can do some wonderful things,” he said.
Rising star Jilliby Ballerini capped off a successful night for the Lees when she outclassed her rivals in the Aldebaran Park Mares Trotters Free For All.
Jason Lee pressed forward on Jilliby Ballerini ($1.20 fav), who wrested the lead off her stablemate Aldebaran Vera with 1600 metres to travel and the only interest thereafter was in the winning margin, which was 11.5 metres on the line.
“It’s really exciting to sit behind such a lovely mare,” Lee said.
In other races, Some American claimed the Hertz Melton Pace in the opening race of the night with Operative Line coming in second.
Lady Vici got the win in the third in the Lifestyle Communities Woodlea Trot, while Always Be Blakey claimed the Lionheart Security Pace.
