Waverley visitor Glory Days made her first visit to Ellerslie a memorable one when she fought tooth and nail to win the Group II Coca-Cola Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie.
The Red Giant mare proved a revelation
during the spring/early summer where she won four races on end, culminating
with the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m).
Put aside for a short break after finishing unplaced in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2200m), Glory Days resumed with a fast-finishing effort for second in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) before trekking north for her first look at the Ellerslie track in Saturday's feature event.
Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, Glory Days handled her first experience of racing right-handed with aplomb as she produced a sustained finishing run to secure the upper-hand from outsider Blue Breeze after the pair waged war over the final 300m.
Trainer Bill Thurlow was feeling quite emotional as he accepted congratulations immediately after the race.
"This is my biggest moment by far," he said.
"It means a hell of a lot as we only have a little, wee team.
"She's a horse we have always loved and had a lot of time for, but to come and do this is bit of a dream really.
"She's so tough and it was a great effort as going the other way (right-handed) really did worry me.
"In saying that she handled it so well as she came around the corner good and I'm rapt for her."
Thurlow, has made no secret of the fact that he has his sights set firmly on next month's Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) with his charge, set out his plan for the mare over the next three weeks leading in to the Ellerslie feature.
"I think she will spend the next three weeks at home," he said.
"We had thought about the Nathans (Nathans Memorial, Ellerslie March 2) but it is highly unlikely on that run.
"She has 53.50kgs in the Auckland Cup, which is quite a luxury weight, so we will just keep her ticking over and come back in three weeks' time.
"We don't know how she will handle 3200m, but she doesn't pull, she just lobs along, and when you ask her to go, she just goes."
Bookmakers reacted swiftly to the victory with Glory Days now equal-favourite at $4.50 for the Auckland Cup along with Charles Road and Saturday's third-placed finisher, Five To Midnight. – NZ Racing Desk
