Glenn Thornton knows that Run Lucy Run has ability but getting her to perform at those levels is a matter of patience which he hopes can go on and pay dividends.
The former Victorian-based trainer who now calls the Gold Coast home is building his 12-strong 2026 team into form and Run Lucy Run is out to follow-up on her last start win at Ipswich in the Gordon’s Gin Class 4 Handicap (1350m) on Friday.
The four-year-old mare won over the same course and distance on January 31 and an expected good rated surface should be in her favour.
That victory broke a run of outs stretching back to December 2024.
“She’s done really well since and there is no reason why she can’t go well again,” Thornton said.
“She usually improves through her preps and doesn’t go backwards.
“Last time, if we couldn’t win we were in a bit of trouble.
Early betting saw her at $3.40 across markets but that has been cut to $2.50 after the scratching of early favourite Noble Decree on Thursday afternoon.
Two other scratchings has seen her original barrier 11 draw come in to gate eight.
“She’s performed in better class races than this,” Thornton added.
“If she’s getting closer to where she was as a three-year-old then she’ll run well.
Thornton made the move to Queensland five years ago and followed his three children – Damien who takes the ride on Run Lucy Run, Boris, and Stephanie – to the Sunshine State and he is not looking back.
He has hopes of Run Lucy Run making her way back to metro racing grades but is happy to see another win off in the meantime at Ipswich.
“We were happy to go back to Ipswich knowing it was a good surface and, unless they get rain on the day, they usually dish up a reliable track.”
