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Smerdon Mare To Keep On Winning

3 minute read

Clemency can build upon a strong first up win when contesting the Schweppes Benchmark 70 Handicap at Sandown.

The Robert Smerdon-trained mare was superb on resuming when winning a Benchmark 64 at Pakenham over 1300m.

The win wasn’t without its nervous moments however with the mare being held up badly in the straight before getting out late and unleashing an impressive turn of foot.

Her first up success returned a Timeform rating of 79p, just shy of a master Timeform rating of 81 she returned when second on debut whilst under the care of Paul Messara.

13 days off her first up success, Clemency looks an excellent chance of progressing further through the grades in Wednesday’s Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m) at Sandown.

The mare will undoubtedly strip fitter for her first up outing and has won second up previously.

A rise to the mile should be beneficial and Craig Williams stays aboard.

The pair should enjoy all of the favours in transit from barrier 2 and unlike the 300m straight at Pakenham, there will be more time for Williams to work off heels into the clear down the longer straight at Sandown.

Testability made all last start here on the Hillside where she was ridden far more positively than prior outings.

The mare showed her versatility on that occasion which provides jockey Ben Melham with options from barrier 8.

Jennio has improved with each run this campaign which included a last start third to Testability a fortnight ago when beaten as favourite.

Market expectations aside, the run still possessed merit and she can play a role in the finish of this.

Saone Et Loire has been busy this campaign with this her eighth start since resuming on December 27.

She continues to find though and stays under notice here with nothing on her back after the 3kg claim of Brandon Stockdale.

Clemency is clearly the most progressive mare of this field though and should take some beating in the opening leg of Wednesday’s quaddie at Sandown.