The last $20,000 heat of the Nevele R Fillies series at the harness racing meeting at Addington last night saw the reappearance of Fight For Glory for the first time since her outstanding win in the New South Wales Oaks at Menangle on March 1st.
Not only did she give away race fitness to her opponents but she drew the outside of the gate at barrier nine in the 1950 metres mobile.
When the mobile left Classical Art and Tim Williams came out quickly and grabbed an early lead with Fight For Glory and Natalie Rasmussen settling last from her wide draw.
Passing the 1400 metres mark On The Town and Dexter Dunn worked around the field three wide and Fight For Glory followed her around and found the death seat outside Classical Art with 1000 metres to go.
That was still the order as they turned for home but half way up the Addington straight, Fight For Glory went clear for an emphatic victory by a length over a game Classical Art.
Linda Lovegrace stormed home late on the inner to be close up in third after being held up on the corner while Supersonic Miss finished on into fourth to give the All Star barn the first four home.
Fight For Glory paced the 1950 metres in the chilly conditions in 2:22.4, a mile rate of 1:57.4 with closing sectionals of 57.1 and 27.6.
She was privately timed to run her last mile in a swift 1:56.8 while working three wide and sitting parked.
Natalie Rasmussen was pleased with the run.
" She's gone great really for a first up effort"
" She is such a wee fatty and will improve a lot with that run under her belt."
" In the early stages she got a bit keen but was fine after that," Natalie said.
Tim Williams was really happy with the run of Classical Art.
" She got a bit keen coming off the gate but relaxed when she found the front.
" She is getting better that way all the time and I was really pleased how she fought on in the straight," Tim said.
Ricky May was lamenting the lack of clear air early in the run home.
" I got held up as we turned for home and its definitely cost her second.
" Once she got clear she has really found the line and I think she has gone super," Ricky said.
A minor highlight of the race was the run of Supersonic Miss to finish fourth.
She was privately timed to run her last 800 metres in 56 out three and four wide and still finished on well.
The Nevele R Fillies final is shaping up to be one of the races of the season with the All Star four to be joined by The Orange Agent and Democrat Party from the north which should make for an exciting final.
Harnesslink Media