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Queanbeyan based trainer Mick Smith is confident a step up in trip will see five - year -old mare Money Never Sleeps finally notch up her first career win in metropolitan company this Wednesday at Canterbury.
After scoring an impressive win at Canberra last start, the daughter of Delago Brom will race beyond 1600m for only the third time in her career when she contests the TAB Sportsbet Handicap (1900m).
"She was very strong to the line and it was really exciting to see her beat her rivals with such ease," Smith said.
“That's what we were really hoping to see and she gave us all indications that she was still up to winning a race in town."
Wednesday's 1900m Handicap will be the first time Money Never Sleeps returns to Canterbury after being declared a non runner at the track after a barrier mishap on June 27.
Having already raced five times in town, Money Never Sleeps has never been beaten more than two and a half lengths leaving Smith confident she can atone for her last effort at Canterbury where she finished second.
"I felt she was very unlucky not to win at Canterbury, she bundled the start and worked home very well from the tail of the field,' Smith said.
"Her run was one of the best of the day in terms of horses coming from the back so I feel stepping out to 1900m will really suit her.'
The engagement of senior jockey, Mathew Cahill, looks to add to her chances having rode her in all five of her career wins.
"To be fair I've always offered the ride to Mathew (Cahill), it's just been unfortunate that when she has made the trip to town that he hasn't been available to ride her,' Smith said.
"She really races well for him and he seems to be able to get the best out of her at the gates.
"So hopefully if she can get away from the gates clean he'll give her the best chance to add to her tally of wins come Wednesday.'
Although she has shown good form in the wet, Smith remains hopeful the track improves from a Slow 7 by Wednesday.
"I really feel she is a much better horse on top of the ground," Smith said.
"If you ask anyone who has ridden her they'll tell you that she gets through it well, but she would be a much better horse on good ground."
Following Wednesday connections will then decide whether the Dubawi mare pushes on with her latest campaign or is spelled after a string of solid performances.
“This whole campaign has been aimed at winning a race in town and I feel she has been ready to win one since quite early on in her campaign,” Smith said.
"If she is able to win on Wednesday it will definitely make the decision easier to send her for a well deserved break."