Fast pace to suit Scales Of Justice in G1
Perth trainer Lindsey Smith has been looking forward to the day when Scales Of Justice could contest a fast run 1400m race.
Scales Of Justice has that opportunity on Sunday in the Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.
The five-year-old has raced over Sunday’s trip on four occasions, registering two wins and two seconds in Perth.
“I’ve always wanted to see him against good horses with a lot of pace on and have him sit on the pace and at some stage put the pressure on,” Smith said.
“He may get that chance to do that on Sunday.”
Scales Of Justice made his Melbourne debut when second to Redkirk Warrior, beaten 2-1/2 lengths, at Flemington on September 16.
He should have finished closer after racing erratically at a crucial stage of the race on the straight 1200m track.
Smith was surprised by Scales Of Justice’s antics which he had not shown in his 17 previous starts.
“That’s the uniqueness of that track,” Smith said.
“I remember years ago when I was foreman for Henry Davis I galloped a few up the straight.
“I rode a horse called Cold Chisel one morning and he did something similar.
“The straight can bring them undone but I never thought he would do something like that.
“He was always going to run second so it didn’t really cost him as far as stake money is concerned.”
Located at Warrnambool with Jarrod McLean since arriving in Victoria last month, Scales Of Justice and Smith have seen a number of country racetracks in western Victoria.
They were a part of the large team McLean took to Coleraine on Monday for trainer Darren Weir.
Smith said Scales Of Justice needed a set of oars rather than shoes to complete his work on Monday.
“It was a very heavy track but it was another experience for him,” Smith said.
“I’ve never seen a track that heavy but he got through that OK.
“All the float trips he’s done to all the different tracks has kept him pretty tight.”