All roads lead to Longchamp for Glass Slippers as autumn ace strikes again

If you didn't subscribe to the theory that Glass Slippers comes alive in the autumn, you do now.

All six of her victories have come between August and early October and this latest success, her second at Group 1 level, earned her a quote of 4-1 with Paddy Power for the Prix de l'Abbaye on Arc day.

Of course, that was the race she won so emphatically last year and all roads lead back to Longchamp on October 4. She won't surrender that crown easily on this evidence.

Glass Slippers could not live with Battaash in the King's Stand at Royal Ascot or the King George at Goodwood, but this is her time of year and she fought back in typically tenacious fashion to repel Keep Busy by half a length.

Winning jockey Tom Eaves could not stop smiling after the success and explained how important the speedy four-year-old filly has been for his career.

Tom Eaves shows his gratitude to Glass Slippers after the Flying FiveCredit: Patrick McCann

He said: "She has been extremely good to me. It's a great training performance by Kevin [Ryan]. We worked her last week and Kevin was very happy with her. She takes a while to warm into her season and comes good at this time of year. She's an amazing filly.

"You could do anything with her. She's so relaxed, has a great mind and is so tough. They went a good pace but Kevin filled me with loads of confidence and I knew she'd come home good."

"She did the same last year and seems to come right at the back end of the year. Kevin didn't rush her at all and we were pleased after the run at Goodwood that she was heading back in the right direction."

It was not looking good for punters who supported Glass Slippers into 9-2 as Eaves began pushing and shoving before halfway, but she relished the battle ahead, sticking her neck out to keep all challengers at bay.

Ryan confirmed the Abbaye is now the ultimate aim for Glass Slippers and paid tribute to Darren Bunyan for the way the Curragh-based trainer looked after his star filly in his absence.

The trainer said: "She's so tough and genuine but she has a lot of class. She loves it when they go really quick but the ground was tacky today, so she’s done well to cope with that. I’m absolutely delighted.

He added: "Darren Bunyan has done a marvellous job with her the last 48 hours, it’s not easy handing it over to someone else but he’s produced her in tip-top shape. I’m very thankful to the Curragh and Darren.

"She’s an amazing filly, so simple to train and she makes my job very easy. She’ll go back for the Abbaye now."

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