Glen Craven appeared set for a big night on paper and duly headed home with a personal best winning quartet at Melton on Saturday night.
The 34-year-old took the reins behind five favorites and saluted on four, commencing with short-course specialist Jillibyjacksparrow ($3.20 fav) who led all the way in the Hyland Racing Colours Pace.
Talented mare Aldebaran Vera ($3.40 fav) scored a tough first-up win in the Prydes Easifeed Trot after sitting parked outside Aldebaran Miley.
Later in the card, Craven played his role in the run of the night when Imperial Monarch scored a last-stride win in the Aldebaran Park Trot.
Sent out a $2.20 favorite, Imperial Monarch galloped and settled more than 50 metres off the lead and was still second last turning for home.
When pulled to the outside, the son of Trixton stormed home and got the verdict by half a head as five horses crossed the line locked together with only a head separating the quintet.
Lightly-raced four-year-old mare Isthisjustfantasy capped off Craven’s memorable evening when she led all the way in the COGS Pace.
“It was a good night on paper so it’s great when a night like this comes off,” Craven said.
“I’ve had some good Group 1 nights, but tonight’s one of my best nights as I haven’t driven four down here.”
