So Si Bon ready to take on the older horses in Zipping Classic
ROBBIE Laing is known for his training of young stayers and he believes his three-year-old can match it with the internationals in Saturday’s Group 2 Zipping Classic.
Laing lines up So Si Bon in the $300,000 feature instead of having a break after running fourth in the Victoria Derby, but he believes his runner is in better condition now.
“He was pretty good going into the Derby, but he actually seems to be even more relaxed and going better than he was a few weeks ago,” Laing said. “The reason we kept him in the stable was the horrific windy weather we’ve had this season. I didn’t want to put him out while there were 100-mile-an-hour winds.”
Laing also had the option of sending So Si Bon to the Caulfield Guineas over 1600m, but with many runners dropping back in distance from the Melbourne Cup, the Classic is the best option according to Laing.
“I thought the Classic was just a better option for him,” Laing said. “The older horses have to carry 59kg and they are all coming back from two miles after a pretty hectic Cup run.
“I thought about (three-year-old) Count Riccardo, who won the (2004) Classic after running in the Derby behind Plastered and Savabeel. The Theodores backed the horse up and he came out and beat the older horses easily.”
So Si Bon gets in with a luxury weight of 50.5kg with Craig Williams in the saddle and the three-year-old might change tactics and settle closer to the pace at Sandown.
“(So Si Bon) could lob fourth or fifth, just a couple of lengths off the lead, and with nothing on his back he might have a lot to offer,” Laing said. “He can peel off some good sectionals.”
So Si Bon is on the second line of betting at $4.80 with Sportsbet after opening at $5.
Smerdon confident with Under The Louvre
Under The Louvre can be a horse punters hate to love, but the Robert Smerdon-trained sprinter looks a strong chance in the Heffernan Stakes at Sandown and Smerdon is confident.
“I couldn’t be happier with the horse’s work, it’s just that he’s been given that bit more weight having won in Brisbane earlier in the year, but I expected that,” Smerdon said. “Put it this way, I would rather keep the $1 million race-day cheque for winning the Stradbroke than give it back for a few less kilos.
“I really don’t know if the straight track at Flemington is that good for him this time in and maybe he prefers to come back to the circle to show his best, but I will say his effort at Moonee Valley in the Manikato was very good.
“But you cannot forget that his racing style means that everything must fall into place when you are coming from so far back in the field. It’s not easy and you need things like a genuine pace to help your cause.”
Smerdon was surprised by the quality of opposition in the Heffernan Stakes where Under The Louvre is the $3.80 favourite at CrownBet.com.au.
“Sometimes at the end of the four days at Flemington the quality and strength of fields often taper off the following week but this is a race that is very strong,” Smerdon said.
Its biggest dangers will come from Lucky Hussler and Illustrious Lad with the Peter Gelagotis-trained runner winning at Flemington on October 29.
Hawkes seeking first winner for All Too Hard
All Too Hard was a champion on the track for Team Hawkes, which will be hoping to score its first winner as a sire on Saturday.
Team Hawkes line up two-year-old Groundbreak which is looking to give All Too Hard its first winner and after a strong trial effort, co-trainer Michael Hawkes believes it is ready to go.
“He is typical of them. They are lovely types with good attitudes,” Hawkes said. “He (All Too Hard) is going to get a nice two-year-old but it will be autumn until we see them at their best, like him.
“This bloke [Groundbreak] has done everything right and was good in his trial and he is ready to go.
“The improvement he will take from the trial to the races will be interesting.”
The $6.50 chance at WilliamHill.com.au faces some tough opposition which includes Godolphin debutante Veranillo and impressive first-start winner Junglized.
It went to the line hard-held in its trial and jockey Christian Reith continues his association with the colt.
“Our bloke is still learning and he is only going to get better as the season goes on but it is the right time for him to go to the races,” Hawkes said.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott line up $500,000 purchase Epic Rant which has had two trials for a win and a placing.
“In his first trial he did a couple of things wrong but he showed good improvement from that and we like the direction he’s heading in,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said. “He’s one that’s shown early ability and no doubt he will continue to improve.
“Hopefully he can put his best foot forward on Saturday.”