By Michael Guerin
The master was singing the praises of his former apprentice at Alexandra Park last night.
Champion trainer Barry Purdon is one of the men responsible for moulding Cran Dalgety into the South Island's brightest training star after Dalgety spent several years in Purdon's employment.
And even though it was Purdon who helped gear up Classy Filly before her national record win in the Powell Transport Breeders Stakes last night he was saving all the accolades for Dalgety.
"Cran sent Classy Filly up earlier this week for us to look after leading into this race and when I saw her she just looked magnificent," Purdon said.
"He has always been a good horseman but I think he has developed into a superb trainer and this filly is testament to that."
Dalgety has done a remarkable job to turn Classy Filly's season around after she finished legless in the New South Wales Oaks in March.
That could have been enough to ruin the delicate filly's season yet she has bounced back to win the New Zealand Oaks, run second in the Hydroflow Final before last night's group two win.
Those results should be enough to earn Classy Filly the Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year honours, from which her owners should get a quick return as the filly will head to the broodmare's paddock at the end of this season.
"There aren't many races for them as 4-year-olds and being by In The Pocket she has the bloodlines and now the performances to make it as a broodmare," Purdon said.
The win was the first leg of the TAB double for Tony Herlihy, who had a magical five-win night and scored a minor upset later when steering Brabham to a fantastic win over hot favourite Agua Caliente.
Agua Caliente looked to have the race at his mercy when he worked into the one-one after an uncustomary fast beginning but after slingshotting to the lead at the 300m he was grabbed on the post by Brabham.
The other highlight of the night was Easy Anvil's effortless maiden win in the $25,000 NZ Breeders Produce after a perfect drive from Peter Ferguson, providing the gelding with some serious compensation for his fine but fruitless efforts against the best southern juveniles in the last month.
Horse Racing: Dalgety praised for classy effort
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