The day for Smuggler’s Bay
Smuggler’s Bay has long been an exciting prospect for Co-Trainers Ron Weston and John Nisbet with the now five-year-old gelding headlining a quality TAB Federal (1000m) field at Thoroughbred Park this Friday.
A brilliant winner on debut at the 2021 Wagga Cup Carnival, Smuggler’s Bay then made light work of Class 1 company at Albury before a second placing behind a smart one in Tags. Next he won again, making it three victories from his first four career starts.
While a loss of form in his second preparation was frustrating for Trainer Ron Weston, his belief in the horse never waived.
“He had a poor preparation but I think it was off the back of some bad luck too.” Weston said. “He is a talented little horse though and he has come back great this time in.”
After failing first up, Smuggler’s Bay returned to form with a commanding win second up in a Benchmark 66 (1000m) at Goulburn.
“It was a good win and was more like the horse we know.” Weston said.
“We have a really high opinion of him and really think he’s a potential Kosciuszko horse.”
“He has drawn well on Friday (Barrier 5) and with the rail in the true position, he should get a lovely run. With Rochelle (Wedrat-Kroezen) taking 4kg off, he should be right in this.”
Smuggler’s Bay is drawn alongside Keith Dryden’s Emma’s Gift who enters this contest second up after a pass-mark second placing at Mourya last start.
Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones’ improving galloper Song Cycle was a dominant winner at Nowra last start and although harder here, will be competitive with 55kgs.
The TAB Federal is Race Five on Friday’s program and is due to jump at 3:35pm.
Pictured: Apprentice Rochelle Wedrat-Kroezen combined with Smuggler's Bay for a win at Goulburn back in July.