Local filly Glory Bound (NZ) (Tavistock) scored an impressive maiden victory at Matamata on Wednesday when taking out the Waikato Branch NZ Farriers Association (1400m) by 4-1/2 lengths.
The three-year-old daughter of Tavistock was fresh-up after her fifth-placed run in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton in October and trainers Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer were confident of a bold showing.
“We’ve always classified her as being pretty smart and the form around is all class,” Autridge said.
“We knew she would run really well. We probably weren’t expecting that sort of performance but that’s how good a horse she is.”
Glory Bound will now likely head to a mile at Pukekohe later this month before targeting some featured fillies races, including the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 12, Gr.2 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie on March 5, and Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 19.
“The Oaks is the long-range goal and things could change getting there, but that’s our initial plan,” Autridge said.
“We considered the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr.3, 1600m) on Wellington Cup Day which would give her a look around Trentham, but saves us a trip and at this stage she looks more likely to race a day later at Pukekohe.
“She’s a nice big, strong, staying filly and just loves being in the stable. She’s got the right attitude and seems to have any amount of ability.”
