John Dunne
Emma Stewart’s utter dominance of the Vicbred Super Series continued unabated at Melton on Saturday night.
The Stewart barn produced the winners of nine of the 12 semi finals with members of her powerful muster finishing runner up in another two, while stable driver Mark Pitt took the reins in six of the victories.
Stewart will be represented by no less than 34 runners in next week’s Group 1 Finals.
Stewart equalled her feat of leading in nine winners at the corresponding meeting 12 months ago along with training nine winners at Launceston in April 2022.
Pitt acknowledged the stable’s stunning performance after steering Sweet Bella to victory in the Rock N Roll Heaven Vicrbred Super Series (4YO Mares) (first semi final).
“It’s been a great night tonight and let’s hope it continues into next week,” Pitt said.
Pitt said he was intent on turning the race into a staying test on Sweet Bella.
“Sweet Bella was super,” he said. “Once she found the front, she’s a pretty strong mare so I kept her rolling along at a good tempo and she hit the line strongly.”
Earlier in the night talented four-year-old pacer The Lost Storm recaptured his best form to take out the Ride High Vicbred Super Series (4YO Entries Geldings) (first semi final).
The Lost Storm sped to the early lead however Pitt was content to take a sit and await his chance along sprint lane when the $2.40 favorite Keayang Tokyo came looking for the front with 1600 metres to travel.
And that was the scenario in the home straight as The Lost Storm ($4.20) mustered sufficient speed along the sprint lane to get the verdict by a head from Keayang Tokyo with Perfect Class a metre away third in a mile rate of 1:54.4.
The Stewart trained pacer hadn’t been seen in the winner’s circle since saluting at Melton in May
“It’s probably taken him a few runs to get back to his peak form that he left off during his last campaign,” Pitt said.
“He got the run of the race tonight and was too strong for them late,” he said.
