Aaron Dunn celebrated his 400th win in the sulky at Melton when Ruff Nutt produced a stout staying performance in the Renown Silverware Pace.
Sent out a $2.10 favorite, Ruff Nutt was urged along by Dunn to move up outside the leader with a lap to travel before forging his way to the lead with 400 metres to go.
Despite being left vulnerable to the swoopers, Ruff Nutt found sufficient reserves of stamina to hold off the challenges and score by a neck in a close three-way finish from Merrywood Paul and Michen Roy.
Dunn conceded he had second thoughts when he opted to make a mid-race move from the running line.
“I went to go and then thought they were still travelling a little bit quick, but he is probably better off doing that now, so I just went. He had to do a bit of work, so he did a good job to fight on like he did,” Dunn said.
“A couple of his starts before this he has gone a bit rough when three wide on the turn when they’re sprinting, so that’s probably his go-to keep rolling now,” he said.
Dunn cited partnering Dee Dees Dream to victory in the 2002 Group 1 Vicbred Super Series (2YO Colts & Geldings) Final as his biggest thrill in the sport.
“He was a $2 favorite, and he took off turning for home, and I remember thinking that we’ve got it, but what could go wrong,” he said.
“And then Bondi Lockdown had some nice wins.”
Later in the night, the Horsham-based Dunn completed a training, driving, owner, and breeder double when Forty Love scored an emphatic win in the Prydes Easifeed Pace.
