Big drama on Addington's big night

It’s been a Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained trifecta in tonight’s feature trot, the Group Three Stevie Golding – Harcourts Canterbury Park Cup at Addington.

In what was billed as the race of the season so far it was the champion Sundees Son who prevailed, just outlasting a very game Mataderos with Chief Of Staff holding on for third.

It was a mighty effort from the champion despite starting off 20 metres.

The Dunn stable finished one-two-three ahead of Bolt For Brilliance in fourth.

There was sensation at the start of the race when second favourite Muscle Mountain refused to go. He took no part in the race.

And there was plenty of drama in the night’s feature pace as well with defending New Zealand Cup champion Self Assured beating South Coast Arden in the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion Handicap.

South Coast Arden was first past the post, by a nose, but a protest was lodged with the connections of Self Assured claiming they’d been hampered in the home straight.

And the protest was upheld, with replays showing that South Coast Arden veered out as Self Assured was mounting his challenge.

South Coast Arden (Natalie Rasmussen) started as a $1.30 favourite in the 2600 metre feature.

After tonight’s win Self Assured remains the favourite for the New Zealand Cup at Addington on Tuesday November 9, from South Coast Arden and Copy That.