We couldn't have asked for a better start to the night with our first two runners Scout's Honour and Perfect Bet both saluting the judge.
Unfortunately the good run came to an abrupt end when Bad Medicine was taken out of the race by a horse who choked down. Thankfully he stayed on his feet and left the track unscathed.
Win number 1 for Scout's Honour
Scout's Honour started the ball rolling in race 2 when he got up in the last stride to deny first starter Skylou the win.
"He's a horse I've always had quite a bit of time for," said Donnelly. "His qualifying effort back in April was very tidy however, he needed time to mature. We gave him a decent break and he really benefited from it.
"It was a good effort to win as the runner up has shown he's a pretty smart animal."
"He's the first horse I've trained for Donn De Silva, Marieke Spruijt and Brendon Kelly and the first Always B Miki that I've had through the barn.
"His owners have been very patient so it was nice to see them rewarded at only his second start."
A perfect draw brings a perfect result
Perfect Bet had already qualified for the Nevele R Fillies final at Addington on Cup day but last night she showed she deserves a trip across the Cook Strait.
She was always going to get a beautiful trip following out the favourite and likely leader Lady Of The Light.
"I really believe this filly has gone to another level and I think she showed that last night" said Donnelly. "Her work over the last 2 weeks has been super.
"We thought she was a cracking chance at Auckland but things didn't go according to plan when she had an early gallop.
"She cut out her final 800 in 55.4 which isn't a common occurrence at Cambridge.
"While there are some tidy 3 year old fillies around, I'm sure she'll follow the speed for a long way."
