Terry and Glenys Chmiel have always held Nek Time in high regard since they purchased her privately for stable clients as an early two year old.
The daughter of Gotta Go Collect has always looked well above average and her fourth in the Harness Jewels at two was just reward for a filly that never had much luck at times last season.
Prior to tonights race at Addington Raceway, she hadn't been further back than fourth in seventh starts at three but had disappointed co -trainer Glenys Chmiel at Marlborough recently.
" Even though she went near enough,I thought on her work she would win at least one of the days."
"It was only when we got home that we found that she had a bad lung infection so her runs under the circumstances were super."
" Her work at home since she has been treated has been really good so I thought she would be hard to beat tonight," Glenys said.
With Terry committed to stablemate Franco Tai, who better to warm the seat that Dexter Dunn, the countries leading driver.
In the first score up, Nek Time went into a wild gallop and caused a false start but Dexter had no hesitation in staying in his original barrier of three in the second attempt at a start.
" The gallop in the score up on the first attempt was my fault as she was a bit fresh and I put her on the gate way to early."
" I was confident she would be fine on the second attempt if I didn't rush her on to the gate," Dexter told Harnesslink post race.
Sent straight to the front by Dexter at the restart, Nek Time took a trail behind stablemate Franco Tai after 200 metres but was out again 200 metres later to reclaim the lead.
Going past the 800 metres mark, Dreamy Damien and Colin De Filippi went up and looked Nek Time in the eye and they sizzled down the back straight in 26.9.
Going past the 400 metres Nek Time had shook off Dreamy Damien but the challengers were coming wider out.
Half way up the straight RR Sand Dollar stuck its neck in front but Nek Time refused to lie down and lifted inside the last 100 metres to fight back and claim an outstanding victory.
Not only was the manner of the win top class but the times she ran were just superb.
Nek Time covered the 1950 metres in 2:19.2, a mile rate of 1:54.8 with a brilliant last 800 metres of 54.5 and 400 metres of 27.6.
Glenys was all smiles as she ungeared the filly.
" This filly has very high speed but she is also as tough as they come."
" She doesn't know how to give in and I knew she would fight back, " Glenys said.
Terry wasn't sure if she had got up from where he was on Franco Tai.
" I couldn't tell from where I was but I know how tough she is."
" You can get up to her but getting past her is another matter," Terry said.
The Chmiels were especially happy to have taken out the $40,000 PGG listed event.
" That is the biggest stakes race we have won as trainers so its a real thrill, "Terry said.
The manner of the victory tonight suggests Nek Time is a live chance in some of the bigger fillies races later in the season.
Harnesslink Media.