Mister Smartee in ominous warning

Brilliant five year old Mister Smartee (Always B Miki) enhanced his credentials for Western Australia’s forthcoming classics with an effortless all the way win in the Members Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday evening.

Freshened up since his resumption last week when he finished fourth after a tough run, Mister Smartee looked in sharp condition and punters had no hesitation in installing the gelding a hot favourite despite his outside front row draw.

The interesting runner was Captain Ravishing who is now prepared by Lindsay Harper. From barrier 3 he showed his customary early speed to lead but Harper decided to hand over to Mister Smartee when he went around after the field had settled down. Penny Black was well away but had to race outside the leader.

Once in front Mister Smartee was steadied by Gary Hall Jnr and he looked in relaxed style as he cruised along without any opposition. Mister Smartee ran his first two quarters in a leisurely 32 and 30.1 seconds and few were surprised when Hall Jnr released the brakes in the final lap to really put pressure on his rivals behind him.

Captain Ravishing eased out on the final bend but although he fought on doggedly he was never likely to catch Mister Smartee who won by just under six metres with the mare Penny Black a very gallant third.

Earlier in the season Mister Smartee took all before him taking out the Fremantle Cup and Nullarbor Pace. He’s now won 19 races with two placings from his 25 appearances to date with over $1.282 million in stake money. His main aim in this campaign is the Group 1 $450,000 Western Australia Cup to be run on December 12.  Group 1 events are never easy to predict but at this stage Mister Smartee is entitled to be one of the pre race favourites for the coveted event.

Captain Ravishing who has had a colourful and at times controversial career looks as if he has settled in Lindsay Harper’s stable and although he was safely held by Mister Smartee he will take further improvement from that run. On his day Captain Ravishing can beat anything he contests and he is a welcome addition to the Western Australian racing scene.

Penny Black showed why she is one of the State’s best mares with a tough effort having to race outside the leader yet showing plenty of fight in holding on for third.

Mister Smartee’s win was a training treble success for Gary Hall Snr who earlier in the night had achieved success with Fakenit (American Ideal), and Sweet Pins (Sweet Lou).

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink