Dark Glitter breaks its lengthy winless streak

The Mick Van Gestel-trained Dark Glitter, with apprentice Anna Roper in the saddle, celebrated its first victory in 494 days after a spectacular finish to win the Ranvet Handicap over 1200m.

This triumph occurred on a program that also saw General Salute end a 458-day gap between wins in the Winter Stakes, Polyglot break a 525-day winless sequence in the Kia Ora Handicap, and Anythink Goes achieve the longest drought break with his first win in 856 days in the TAB Handicap.

Dark Glitter's success contributed to female jockeys securing six of the initial eight races at the Rosehill venue. Roper completed a double, having previously won on Nullarbor Jane, while Siena Grima also notched a brace with Omolong and Hello Captain. Izzy Neale rode It's A Tata to victory, and Alysha Collett partnered Anythink Goes.

Van Gestel indicated that he had considered entering Dark Glitter for the Listed Winter Stakes but ultimately chose the less challenging option of the Ranvet Handicap.

"This race was short of her best but the Winter Stakes was a much stronger field," Van Gestel explained. "I decided to go for the 1200m race because it was probably the easiest race she has contested for ages."

Dark Glitter ($14) surged home to defeat early pacesetter Smashing Time ($2.70 favourite) by one-and-a-quarter lengths, with Midnight Opal ($9) finishing just over a length further back in third.

The mare's return at generous odds was noted by leading betting apps Australia, while Smashing Time began as the $2.70 favourite following strong market backing.

Smashing Time, which was vying for its third successive winter win, seemed set to triumph when it pulled away from the pursuing field from the top of the straight, but it could not sustain the pace against Dark Glitter's exceptional closing speed.

Dark Glitter had achieved four placings at stakes level since her last win over two years prior, and her Rosehill victory boosted her career earnings to nearly $650,000.

Earlier this year, Van Gestel attempted to market Dark Glitter as a potential broodmare. However, when she failed to reach her reserve price, the trainer resolved to keep her in training.

"She's a very good mare and obviously still racing as well as ever," Van Gestel remarked. "Hopefully we won't have to wait as long for her next win."

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