The Mark Jones trained Glenferrie Classic proved her versatility by winning the 2600 metres Alabar Cromwell Cup today in the hands of Sam Ottley.
Nine days ago she won the Equine Stakes at Winton over the sprint distance of 1609 metres, then driven by Stevie Golding.
The four year old mare is royally bred, being by Bettor's Delight out of New Zealand Cup winner Mainland Banner and is owned by Equine Investment Limited, Matai Farms Limited, G.M. Saunders, Mrs S.J. Saunders and B.R. Duffy. One of Matai Farm's directors, Bathan Muir is on the committee of the Wyndham Harness Racing Club.
Glenferrie Classic galloped away before settling third on the inside. Ottley then decided to sit parked with just over a lap to run before getting cover when stable-mate Perissa arrived. She then popped out with 650 metres to run and challenged the leaders. Glenferrie Classic led heading for home and held on to beat a late charging Statham. The winning margin was a neck. The time of 3-27.2 was over 7 seconds outside the track record held by Glencoe VC when he won the 2012 cup.
"It didn't help when she didn't pace away. I probably got to the front a bit soon but I didn't want to be boxed in. To her credit she sprinted from a long way out and stuck on," said Ottley.
This was her second win from two starts on the grass. She won at Methven in early December.
"She's got stronger and has raced good on the grass and the grit. This was her biggest test today against race hardened horses. She's got stronger this season."
She has now won four races from sixteen starts and it's likely that she'll target the Southern Country Cups final on Diamonds Day at Ascot Park in April.
The winning connections – Photo Wayne Huddleston – Wild Range Photography
Glenferrie Classic's dam Mainland Banner which won seventeen of her twentytwo starts has done a great job as a broodmare. All of her foals have won races – Stunin Banner (15), Return To Sender (8) Peruvian Banner (1) and Rocker Band (10).
"She looks like Rocker Band but they are totally different. This mare is laid back and almost lazy whereas Rocker Band has great speed, can get on the steel and pull. Glenferrie Classic is more of a stayer."
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing