Trish Dunell
A last to first performance from promising galloper Glory Days, that left no excuses for her beaten rivals, provided one of several talking points from the first Group One raceday of the new season at Hastings on Saturday.
The Waverley trained five-year-old maiden was taking on a number of race winners in the day’s special conditions 1200 metre contest but didn’t let reputations stand in her way as she dominated in the closing stages, courtesy of a heady ride from Rosie Myers.
Myers bided her time at the back of the field as the heavily backed first starter, Raspberry Beret, set the tempo up front. The challenges started to come thick and fast approaching the home corner with the field fanned across the track with 300 metres to run. Myers had Glory Days humming as she pierced through a gap two off the fence and quickly dashed to Cambridge visitor One Prize One Goal who looked the likely winner until that point.
Under a hands and heels ride Glory Days stretched her winning margin to three quarters of a length at the post with favourite King Cougar holding on bravely for third after being caught wide throughout the entire journey.
Myers admitted it was the plan to drop back at the start after the mare drew a wide barrier for the contest.
“We always thought there was going to be a little bit of speed on so we opted to drop back from the get go,” she said.
“Luckily the splits came when they did and I had the horse underneath me to take advantage.
“She went close to winning at Riccarton in her first campaign so I can’t see why she can’t go on from here.”
Trainer Bill Thurlow admitted he had set the mare for the race and was delighted to have accomplished his plan.
“We’ve always liked her as she’s shown us a lot,” he admitted.
“We set her for this race and we’re just pleased it has come off.
“We leased her from Gloria Kenny and just got her out of the paddock. I got my brother and another mate together to race her.
“I think there’s a nice race in her as she showed a lot last year but got injured. She’s come back nice and sound so I think she’s capable of winning a good one this time.”
Thurlow was keen to check the mare’s recovery from her exertions before nominating any future targets however admitted a return to Hastings for the second day of the carnival on September 23 was a distinct possibility. – NZ Racing Desk