Well-earned break following Crown victory

QUALITY trotter Valtino is heading for a well-earned break.

Capping off his season with a Breeders' Crown triumph in Melton last night, Valtino is likely to spent all of summer in a paddock.

New South Wales trainer Blake Fitzpatrick explained his plans for the son of Love You, which may include 'the cruellest cut'!

"He has done a terrific job in his first two seasons," Fitzpatrick said. "He's won the Nutrien, Vicbed and Breeders' Crown Finals while also finishing among the placegetters in Nutrien and Vicbed Finals and the Victoria Derby.

"Last night was a great way to end his juvenile days and he will go for a long break now.

"We're thinking about gelding him while he is having time off, but will make a decision on that during the next week or so."

With local reinsman Greg Sugars in the cart, Valtino was settled towards the tail of the field from barrier nine as Thunda Struck dashed to the lead from gate six before being eased to take a trail behind Kyvalley Michael.

Taken three-wide into the 'death seat' at the bell, Valtino engaged in an epic battle with Mister Blindside as the pair broke away from the pack.

Showing a tremendous amount of intestinal fortitude, the three-year-old scored by a metre-and-a-half from Mister Blindside, with Thunda Struck 55-and-a-half metres away third.

"Greg drove him very confidently and got the best out of him," Fitzpatrick said. "Greg has a terrific record on him with about six wins and three placings from nine drives, including wins in three Finals.

"It was a tough run overall and I couldn't be happier with him.

"I have to thank Jess Tubbs and Craig Demmler for looking after him while he was down there, they did a terrific job."

Rating 1:56.3 over 2240 metres, the gelding took his record to eight wins and 12 placings from 24 starts for earnings of $192,177.