Days Of Thunder powers into Queensland Cup Final
She may only be small in stature, but Days Of Thunder used all 24kg of herself last Thursday evening to secure a place in tonight's Group 1 Queensland Cup Final at Albion Park.
Exiting from box seven in her heat, the daughter of Fernando Bale and Melissa's Pride had a decent getaway before tailing to the back of the field in the early stages. Getting herself in third spot in the back straight, the white flash took off, gapping her rivals by 6.75 lengths at the finish in 41.67.
For owner Clint Gill, contesting his first Group 1, along with trainer Warren Nicholls, will be a night to remember.
“It's her first Group 1, my first Group 1, Warren's first Group 1, her first time in box three and she's all white, so hopefully that's a good omen.”
“It's so exciting the way she storms home her last sectional and full credit to Warren and his family for their patience and perseverance with her.”
It took the chaser affectionately known as ‘Dot' six starts to break through for her maiden victory, with nine career victories to date and seven of those being over the 710m staying trip at Albion Park.
Her dam, Melissa's Pride, who's an offspring of the great Cindeen Shelby, has become a renowned producer, including Bees And Honey, a winner of 16 races; Zipper It Mate, a winner of 14 races; and Stretch Butler, a winner of 13 races. She currently has a 14-month old litter of 10 by gun sire Zambora Brockie.
Days Of Thunder was one of 12 puppies in the Fernando Bale litter, with Gill drawn to the incredible bloodlines on offer.
“I really wanted a bitch with great bloodlines and there were two girls left in the litter and I chose her because she was all white, with unique markings.”
“I'm a bit of a rev head and raced in motor cross competitions for 10 years, winning both state and national titles, but I get way more nervous watching her.”
This little pocket rocket has gained quite a cult following, known for her finishing bursts over the staying distances, and no doubt will be in the mix once again in tonight's final, with a bit of luck on her side.