Ending season on a perfect note

A RETURN to winning form has resulted in Violet Stanford ending her season on a perfect note.

Undefeated from five starts as a two-year-old, including the Vicbred Super Series Final, the Nathan Jack-trained trotter was triumphant at her first three outings in 2024.

A combination of tough draws, bad manners and strong fields then saw Violet Stanford miss the placings at three of her next four runs heading into last night's Melton meeting.

Back to her best, the daughter of Volstead proved too good in an Australasian Breeders' Crown Final.

"I felt she was the best filly in the race and had class on her side, but she had to get out there and do it," Jack said. "That will see her out for the year and she will have a good, long break...about three or four months off.

"She'll stick to her age and sex as much as possible next season, with the big race in Queensland and the Vicbred series her main aims."

With Jack in the cart, Violet Stanford began quickly to lead from barrier two as New South Wales raider, Malibuu, worked on her outside.

Fending off the initial challenge leaving the back straight, the filly was untouched to score by two-and-a-half metres from Jilliby Ballerini.

Centurion Dream was a metre-and-a-half away third in 1:59.3 over 2240 metres.

"She raced to expectations and came away with the win, which is great," Jack said. "Once she got the front I knew she had them covered and she hit the line with plenty in reserve."