‘White Wonder' Sweeps To Super Stayers Glory

A WEEK ago, Warren Nicholls admits his bottom lip dropped almost to the ground.

He was disappointed, to say the least, that his staying star “The White Wonder” Days Of Thunder had been made reserve for Thursday night's Group 3 Super Stayers Invitational (710m) at Albion Park.

“I couldn't believe she had missed out,” he said.

Warren cheered up immeasurably when Brisbane Club CEO, Luke Gatehouse, rang on Sunday night to say Victorian Korda had dropped out of the four-dog race and Days Of Thunder had got a run.

And, as Warren would say, what a run it was.

The daughter of Fernando Bale-Melissa's Pride was back last early, but swept home in the straight to power past First Picked and Palawa King to win in 41.67.

She started the $8 outsider.

DAYS OF THUNDER is BACK ⚡️

The white wonder storms home in her typical barnstorming style to claim victory in the Group 3 Super Stayers Invitational Final at @BrisGreys in a boilover ? pic.twitter.com/LbWBkpkW17

— RaceQ (@RaceQLD) June 22, 2023

“All the local form students were on her,” said Warren. “They all told me before the race they were going to back her.”

By Friday morning, Warren Nicholls admitted he had a “skip in my step”.

The victory took Days Of Thunder's record to 60 starts for 17 wins and $293,000.

“She hurt a sesamoid and a tendon and that put her out for a while,” said Warren.

“But, we never had any intention of retiring her. The carnival was always a target even though it was a bit tough getting her right.

“She is not a bitch that shows great emotion, but while she was recovering from the injuries, she was even digging holes in a yard she was feeling that good.”

Warren will press on to next week's G1 Queensland Cup heats and then the Ipswich Grand Prix.

“I had basically ruled out travelling with her but she is going so well again, I will probably have to look to take her back to Melbourne for a few big races,” he said.

Warren admitted he almost gave up during the running of the Super Stayers.

“Going through the catching pen the other three seemed to get away on her,” he said.

“But, by the back straight I knew she was going to be right in it.”

Multiple Group stars Zipping Orlando and First Picked were in front at that time and Palawa King was making his run.

But, Days Of Thunder to the cheer of locals Travis Elson, Greg Stella and Ned Snow who told Warren they had backed her, she stormed home to win.

It added to her G3 Origin Distance and Chairman's Cup victories.

But, she has also been a multiple Group placegetter and finalist.