Aardiebytheseaside’s surprise win in Norms Daughter classic

Talented mare Aardiebytheseaside (Downbytheseaside) showed a welcome return to form by leading all the way to win the Group 2 $100,000 Barbagello Norms Daughter Mares classic at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Aardiebytheseaside hadn’t won since April and her form had been out of sorts but with a favourable draw and the fact that she was typically well turned out by team Bond indicated that she was ready for improvement first up and when Deni Roberts bounded her to the front she suddenly entered into calculations.

AARDIEBYTHESEASIDE 6 NOV REPLAY

The key was whether she would be conditioned enough to lead all the way against some classy mares. But it all went her way as Roberts was able to run her first quarter in 30.3 seconds. Favourite Delightful Peg had the one out and one back trail while Penny Black was left facing the breeze.

Aiden De Campo on the fancied Copy Cat Queen made his run three wide at the bell but that’s when Roberts upped the tempo and Aardiebytheseaside ran her next two quarters in 28.8 and 27.6 seconds as she bounded clear on the final bend.

Copy Cat Queen and Delightful Peg continued to grind away but Aardiebyseaside had stolen and although he was getting very tired towards the finish hung on to hold off Delightful Peg and Beetastic who had raced behind the leader.

Little Darling was finishing well up along the rails.

Roberts wasn’t surprised at the scintillating early speed that Aardiebytheseaside displayed.

I think everyone’s just forgot who she was to be honest. She’s always had good gate speed and up against the best. And Delightful Peg I know she’s held up, but I wouldn’t call her blistering. So we had a nice little go at her. I think two barriers out she had her chance to hold us but our mare, she’s nice and fresh. She’s been away from the races for a bit. And she was found wanting that last 50 metres like she always is, but luckily enough we got our margin down the back.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink