Smith stable eyes prime conditions for heavy-track specialist Prima Bella
Craig Kerry
Matt Smith hopes heavy track specialist Prima Bella will be worth the wait and last start winner Anythink Goes can start at Randwick on Saturday.
Randwick was a heavy 9 on Thursday and the prospect of further rain on Friday would likely create ideal conditions for Prima Bella in the sixth race, a 78 handicap criterium over 1000m.
The five-year-old filly, who earned $5 with TAB, won the same race in the slow 9 at Randwick on May 23 and won over four furlongs on the soft 5 track at the impressive Ice Kool on June 6.
Smith, on holiday abroad, kept him fresh for another 1000m test, presumably for a heavy ride, and there was a strong trial in between and the stable were pleased with his work. Prima Bella won three of four races on heavy tracks.
“Obviously he’s improving on this ground and he ran that distance quite well last time out,” said stability agent Jamie Smith.
“He’s in good shape, he’s galloped well this week and obviously he’ll like the track and a few other guys won’t, so he’s got a chance.”
Anythink Goes ($6.50) was the first emergency for seventh, a 1800m benchmark 88 handicap, with the Warwick Farm stable looking to strike again with the seven-year-old ending an 874-day drought at Rosehill last week with a 78 in the 2000m benchmark.
“He’s out of the race,” Smith said.
“He ate and did everything we wanted to see. He’s obviously had an easy week, but he’s a fit horse. He’s been on the scene for a while after a couple of runs where he’s kind of had an up-and-down transition.”
“He hasn’t really prepared for a test and this looks like a good race for him and he got a good draw. I hope he wins the race.”
Stablemate Time Quest ($51) is in the same race, but also conceded Sunday’s South Grafton Cup.
“Frankly, it was a little difficult to draw. [in 13]He said of the Randwick race: “It needs lift and we expect it to improve.”
Meanwhile, trainer Adrian Bott is hoping Sly Boots’ luck changes from gate one, as he battles favoritism in seventh place at $4.40.
Rachel King rides Sly Boots, who missed a place in four runs in this prep but was impressive in finishing fourth last start despite a wide run without cover.
“Sly Boots is doing great,” Bott said. “He’s running well. He hasn’t had much luck in his races. He looks to be in good shape.”
Conchiero ($5.50) was another chance for eighth-placed Tulloch Lodge. Carrying 60 kilograms, he finished fourth in the last start at the heavy Kensington track.
“Conchiero’s rating is going up; he stayed in good shape the other day,” said Bott. “We’ve upgraded him and are trying to lighten his weight a little bit.”
