Slippers Impresses Again And Sights Are Now On Group Glory
Not all nice juveniles can get off to the perfect start, not that this is anything that has ever worried Kevin. For a number of reasons youngsters can take their time to really show their true colours and let their ability shine through. Glass Slippers took until her third run to get off the mark but did so in style. A step up in grade was needed and Slippers took it all in her stride when again winning well at Chester in the 6f Foxy Bingo Fur Her Eyes Only/EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes.
After starting out in a smart novice race at Haydock, where she finished third, Glass Slippers went on to run another big race at Goodwood. Unfortunately traffic proved a big hindrance and with no run she proved be a very unlucky loser. Thankfully for connections she quickly made up for that on her next start when shedding her maiden tag in impressive style at Beverley.
Kevin has always like the filly and felt that she could go on to compete in pattern company. He already nominated the Gr3 Firth Of Clyde as an intended target but with 5/6 weeks before the race Kevin felt that another run would be beneficial to the filly. Glass Slippers was entered for the 6f Conditions event at Chester as a test of her credentials. Tom Eaves had been on board the filly when winning last time out and took the ride once again. Lining up against 5 rivals it was a small field but one full of potential, which was shown by tightness at the top of the market. Glass Slippers sent off the second favourite but had a tough task in front of her.
Chester is notorious for the importance of the draw and stall 1 can prove to be key. Unfortunately Glass Slippers wouldn’t be the ideal filly for that draw as she isn’t the quickest away, but that does suit her running style. Typically she was just steady away, unlike her neighbour Chapelli who was rapidly out and into the lead. Tom stuck to the rail, directly behind the leader to sit in around third place. The early pace was strong as they starting the continuous turn that is synonymous with the track. Comfortably sat along the rail, Slippers travelled smoothly through the first couple of furlongs and holding her position well she maintained a good position.
As they reached the 1/2 mile point the pace remained strong and was only going to increase. Chapelli was still allowed to dictate despite getting a little bit of pressure from her outer. Glass Slippers was taking the shortest route possible and travelled with ease, despite the strong pace set to test them. As they moved between the 4f and 3f marker the first moves were beginning to take place. Franny Norton tried to increase the tempo and catch the field on the hop. This caused K Club, who was racing next to Slippers, to get nudged along for a few strides. Tom was happy with his filly and the way she was travelling but K Club moved up on her outer, demoting her to fourth. Tom still had too much horse on the inside so was never worried as he couldn’t lose his position.
Passing the 3f pole and again the pace increased again with the race really starting to wind up. The field were still closely bunched but Chapelli was trying to kick clear and grasp the race. Slippers still travelled well and whilst all the other jockeys were starting to niggle away Tom was sitting tight in the saddle. As they closed in on the final couple of furlongs the leaders swung off the bend and headed into the home straight. Tom saw a gap and tried to drive his filly through the hole. Slippers quickened up but as the rail jutted away sharply So Brave moved left towards the leader. This snapped shut the gap and Tom quickly had to sit up, steadying Slippers.
Sit and suffer was what Tom had to do as the race really got to the business end. The leaders had set sail whilst Tom was on the back foot and now K Club along with Light My Fire were starting to rally down the centre of the track. With everyone quickening around him Tom had to get his filly back into stride and he got into his drive to try and regain the lost momentum. It was beginning to look as though Slippers may have to accept another unlucky day at the office.
Moving into the final furlong and the new leader was now So Brave but she had three big challenges coming on her outside. Slippers bravely responded to Tom’s urgings and quickly shifted back up through the gears. She was now starting to motor once again and came through with a big chance. Inside the final furlong and it now looked as though So Brave was a sitting duck now and K Club wasn’t finishing as well as her rivals. Glass Slippers was eating up the ground and so too was Light My Fire who had raced at the rear of the field. With just 100 yards to run Glass Slippers edged into the lead closely pursued by Light My Fire. With momentum taking her forward Slippers quickly moved into a length lead. Almost immediately Tom eased his riding, knowing he had the race in the bag. The final 50yards allowed Light My Fire to close the gap but Glass Slippers already had the race won, taking it by a comfortable neck margin.
Again things didn’t go 100% right for Glass Slippers but again she showed a good attitude. Once momentum is lost it is so hard to get back but Slippers managed to do so in very little time. She travelled very well in a race that was run at a strong gallop but she also managed to quicken off that. She looks above average and the better races see her in a better light. It is great for owners Mr and Mrs Holdcroft who own and bred the filly through their Bearstone Stud. Glass Slippers is on the upgrade and the next step will be pattern company. The Group 3 Firth Of Clyde will be the target and Glass Slippers will go there with a big chance.