Conconi reins at Donald

Stawell trainers Terry and Karina O’sullivan’s honest mare Conconi returned to her best form at Donald last week.

Conconi lined up in a 1354-metre fillies and mares handicap at 0-58 level.

Ridden by Declan Bates, Conconi rolled forward and raced handy to the speed.

The four-year-old continued to travel strongly, despite racing wide throughout.

Approaching the home turn, it was apparent that Conconi was going to be right in the finish, as she loomed large.

When balanced, the daughter of Bianconi swept to the lead, and in a tough performance dashed clear for a three-quarter-length win.

Conconi has proven a handy moneyspinner in her career to date, recording two wins and two minor placings from 12 starts, to go with $48,975 in stake money.

Donald double

Sutton Grange trainer Brent Stanley took training honours at the Donald meeting, registering a winning double.

In a 1204-metre benchmark-64 handicap the Stanley stable was represented by The Reverend Demon. Ridden by apprentice Rose Pearson, The Hinchinbrook five-year-old came from a midfield position to score a narrow win.

A good day soon turned into a great day, when Liberty Lad made it back-to-back wins for Stanley.

Ridden by former Western Australian Daniel Staeck, the $3.60 favourite cruised to victory in a handicap race, scoring by two and a half lengths.

Donald has proven to be a happy hunting ground for Stanley, given that he won the Two Year Old Classic with The August earlier this year.