Violet Crumble Creates Bill Collins Memorial Boilover
Violet Crumble scored the biggest win of her career when she upset a stellar field in the $14,500 Bill Collins Memorial at Sandown Park tonight.
Beginning brilliantly from box 5, Violet Crumble ($16.50) assumed a narrow lead through the first turn, but was soon under pressure from Bounding Billy ($7) and favourite Trew Millions ($2.50).
Down the back straight, Stoner Bale switched to the centre of the track and began to make ground on the leaders. Violet Crumble refused to give in, railing strongly on straightening for home to hold out the fast finishing Stoner Bale by a neck in 29.95.
Trew Millions raced on gamely in his first start for over a month to finish third a further 2.75 lengths away.
Trained by Stan Ralph in Tooradin, the win was Violet Crumble's 11th career victory and took her earnings to $49,147.
Earlier in the night, New South Wales won their second consecutive multicamcncrouters.com.au Twin Cities Trophy when Snell To Excel proved too good, winning in 30.13.
Despite beginning only fairly, Snell To Excel ($5.20) swept around the field in pursuit of early leader and despised outsider Anevay ($48.70).
In a thrilling run to the line, Snell to Excel nabbed Anevay by a head. Fellow northern raider Gun Sort ($3.40) made up late ground to finish 2.5 lengths away third, while favourite Vintage Octane ($2) endured a torrid run throughout, finishing a distant sixth.