Mister Smartee boosts WA Cup prospects

Rising star Mister Smartee (Always B Miki) bolstered his credentials for next month’s WA Pacing Cup when he was untroubled to an all the way win in the $100,000 Group 2 Running Camel James Brennan Memorial at Gloucester Park last night.

A prohibitive odds on favourite Mister Smartee was expected to take the front from barrier 2 and once there driver Gary Hall Jnr had few problems maintaining a brisk pace throughout. Pole marker Sangue Reale took the trail behind the leader with Tenzing Bromac forced to race outside the leader.

Million dollar pacer Minstrel had a torrid run being wide early and then making a run three wide with a lap left to travel but he could not sustain the effort. Hall allowed Mister Smartee a bit more rein on straightening and he comfortably defeated  Sangue Reale by just over 4 metres with Tenzing Bromac battling on gamely for third placing. Outside the placegetters Pinny Tiger was doing his best work to come in fourth. 

Mister Smartee had been most impressive in his two appearances this time in winning in Free For All company at Gloucester Park and although this was his biggest test to date he came through with flying colours. 

MR SMARTEE REPLAY

Driver Gary Hall Jnr was fulsome in his praise of Mister Smartee.

“He’s still got a lot to learn. You always think when they can do things like that in this company and when they have so much ahead of them anyway it’s always a pretty good sign. Never Ending’s (whom Hall normally drives) got the runs on the board and it’s going to be a hard choice. But it’s a nice choice to have anyway.” 

Trainer Gary Hall Snr makes no secret of his high opinion for Mister Smartee and despite being lightly raced is confident that the New Zealand bred gelding can win the WA Cup.

In running the 2536 metres at an overall mile of 1.57.2 Mister Smartee ran his last two quarters in 27.8 and 27.4 respectively making it virtually impossible for those behind to make up much ground.

Most of the last night’s runners will front up in a fortnight for the $100,000 JP Stratton Memorial and although improvement can be expected from the beaten brigade Mister Smartee will again start a warm favourite. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink