Louvre to fly in for Kingsford-Smith Cup
Under The Louvre will chase a second Group One Brisbane win in the Kingsford-Smith Cup.
Caulfield trainer Robert Smerdon is hoping he doesn’t experience any transport difficulties as Under The Louvre prepares for a Group One assignment in Brisbane.
Flying horses from Melbourne to Brisbane in recent times has been difficult although Darren Weir was able to get a small team north last week.
Under The Louvre is scheduled to run in the Group One Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
“He’s booked to fly up but they’re not guaranteeing it,” Smerdon said.
Under The Louvre is having his last racing campaign before being retired to stud.
Last year’s Stradbroke Handicap winner, Under The Louvre has had one run in preparation for Saturday’s contest.
He finished 12th carrying 62kg behind Crystal Dreamer in a 1000m straight sprint race at Flemington on May 6.
“I thought it was only just a pass mark,” Smerdon said.
“It was a tough circumstance for him. He carried a lot of weight and the first five were all down the outside.
“It was a bit hard to measure so I thought it was just a pass.”
Smerdon said Under The Louvre had come through the run well and his work since had been strong and is looking for a good performance from the six-year-old provided he gets to Brisbane.
Dwayne Dunn is the likely rider for Under The Louvre who is rated a $13 chance in an open betting race with Clearly Innocent currently the $7 favourite.