Craig Grylls’ near-unassailable lead in the national jockey’s premiership was given a further boost early at Matamata on Wednesday, with deserving maiden winner Viva Glam featuring in his winning treble.
After guiding home Stephen Marsh’s well-bred filly Alacritous and stablemate The Exponent, Grylls combined with the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained Viva Glam, a filly having her sixth start in the MBS Advisors 1200.
Craig Grylls guiding Viva Glam to success in the MBS Advisors 1200. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
The daughter of Savabeel started a $4 favourite and found a comfortable spot in midfield through the running, while Born This Swey took control of the pace. The leader kicked on the corner but was swiftly caught by Roar Of The Jungle and Viva Glam, the latter finding extra late to kick clear by 1 – ½ lengths.
Collecting his 126th winner of the season, Grylls was complimentary of Viva Glam in the testing conditions.
“She’s jumped away nicely and travelled well throughout,” he said. “She felt like she really handled it and she’s got quite a short action, so I think the wet ground will help her out.
“I think she will (go through the grades), she’s won it pretty comfortably in the end. She’s going to take a bit of natural improvement from that as well.”
Te Akau Racing Manager Reece Trumper was swift in crediting Grylls’ effort, while acknowledging the challenge the filly had posed for the stable through her career so far.
“Terrific ride, he rode completely to instructions,” Trumper said. “Well done to Sam and Mark, they persevered with her as she’s been very difficult. The team have done a wonderful job.
“She’s always put her hand up on raceday, but she’s probably just lacked maturity. Time’s going to be her friend and she’ll just continue to get better.”
Co-trainer Mark Walker was also glowing of Grylls’ ride, and believes Viva Glam has a bright future instore.
“It was a lovely ride by Craig, who continues to ride very positively, and a good effort by the filly in quite testing ground,” Walker said.
“She got through the ground well, which is really encouraging for this time of year, and the win should give her confidence going forward.
“She’s been a bit of a handful the whole way through, but she’s getting better now, mentally, as she matures.”
Viva Glam was a $350,000 purchase for Te Akau Racing at the 2023 National Yearling Sales when presented in the draft of co-breeder Waikato Stud. She is out of a stakes-performing Iffraaj mare Style By Design, while her grand-dam is a dual Listed winner in Chaparella. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
