3 minute read
Star sprinter Smoko can make amends for his last start defeat, when set to contest the seventh event at Belmont on Saturday.
Forced to travel three-wide without cover, Smoko's performance had plenty of merit when finishing second in the Listed Beaufine Stakes.
In his first test against stakes company, the son of Snitzel acquitted himself well and appears very hard to beat stepping up in trip.
Stepping out for just his seventh career start, Smoko has displayed plenty of ability and while unable to keep his unbeaten record in-tact, he does appear very well placed.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he sits clear with his nearest rival Celebrity Miss required to record a new career peak, if she is to deny him victory.
The in-form William Pike sticks aboard and should roll forward and lead, as he won't want a repeat of his last start.
Currently installed an odds-on chance seems short enough, however on predictive ratings we can price him at $1.60 and is a solid overlay.
The Justin Warwick trained Songburg returned in good order last start, when catching the eye late in the piece, working home strongly to finish fourth.
Set to contest the third event, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor presents a solid overlay opportunity, as she rates very well on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
As much as 4-1 is being offered about her chances on Saturday, when we alternatively have her installed the 5-2 favourite.
Shuffled back towards the tail rounding the turn for home last start, Lucy Warwick was forced to wait and ease off heels before peeling Songburg to the outside in the straight.
Working home strongly down the centre, she recorded some of the strongest closing sectionals of the day.
The stronger tempo over the 1200m event should suit and with any luck in running she should prove hard to hold out in the straight.
The combination of Adam Durrant and William Pike dually delivered last weekend, and fairly confident we can go two for two on Saturday.
BET OF THE DAY: Race 7 #9 Smoko @ $1.75
EACH-WAY PLAY: Race 3 #4 Songburg @ $5.00