Goodwood Sprint Preview

Perth Turf Talk | Metropolitan Racing | Fri 22 August, 2014

A mouthwatering match-up between WA's two best sprinters in the Listed Goodwood Sprint held as Race 5 at Belmont. A slow track is expected which only increases the intrigue as neither Barakey or Smoko have raced on rain affected going.

The times show a distinct advantage to Smoko who has run some blistering sectionals in past races. The five-year-old gelding out of Snitzel was very unlucky in his only career defeat two starts back but really showed his class winning the Belmont Newmarket earlier this month by three lengths.

There are only two queries for it here. Will it still run out a strong 1300m, an extra 100m further than it has run in the past and how will it perform with some give in the surface? These questions are what makes a 'should-be' $1.2 favourite available at $1.55. If it handles both it should be winning this easily.

Barakey is the obvious danger. The seven-year-old has won 12 from 14 career starts. He is in the same boat as Smoko when it comes to runs beyond 1200m and runs on rain affected going. Clearly a classy sprinter and if Smoko has any issues Barakey should be the one to salute.

Celebrity Miss is a query over the 1300 having not placed beyond 1200m in three attempts. She was 3.75 lengths behind Smoko finishing off well in the Belmont Newmarket but will need to make up a few more lengths in the last 100m here to threaten the favourite.

Verdict: Standout trifecta. Smoko to win, Barakey to run a gallant second and Celebrity Miss to beat home the rest.

Best of the day

Race 6 - Benito

Ran outstanding sectionals last start leading and beating his rivals by more than three lengths. Has the outside barrier here which only creates more value as a betting proposition. With a few likely to head to the lead early look for apprentice jockey Renee Forrest to grab a little cover and get going at the turn.

Value Hope

Race 2 - True Storm

Last campaign won three from five over sprinting distances. Was sound last start but should be a lot better second-up. Query over whether the mare will handle the track but she should get a great sit in transit from barrier one. 

Article by punters.com.au

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