A former New Zealander, Classic Coup joined the Glatz stable at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills on the advice of champion kiwi jumps trainer John Wheeler.

And since starting her new career as a hurdler, the daughter of Classic Fame has won her only two jumping starts to date.

Classic Coup will always hold a special place with Merri. Her first winner came via the mare in her first jumps win at Strathalbyn recently.

"She was my first winner since I had a licence," she reported. "Then of course at her next start she was my first city winner."

Many people would realise the Glatz name has been around with the training of horses for many years. However, it is now the more glamorous of the pair (sorry John) who is listed as the person in charge of the team at Tantallon Stud.

"We've gone close plenty of times to winning a race with many placings, but Strathalbyn was my first with Classic Coup," Merri added.

John was in charge of the stable until he took up a role as a Director of Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA). As well John's active participation in the local industry sees him as a committee member of the South Australian Racing Clubs Council.

Merri realises the Oakbank Carnival is still many months away, but already she is dreaming of pulling off her own classic coup at the famous jumping spectacular.

"Obviously with our level of involvement with the club I'd really love to be able to win a race there over the carnival," she said.

"It's still a long way off, but it will come around soon enough, that's for sure."

Gunning for three consecutive wins Classic Coup is expected to be one of the horses to beat in tomorrow's first event in Adelaide.

"I'd be thinking she should run in the first two on Saturday," Merri predicted. "Eric (Musgrove) has a good horse in the race and that will probably be the one we have to beat."