Smerdon rapt with his hot Property
TRAINER Robert Smerdon says everything has fallen into place for Blue Diamond Stakes second favourite Property.
Late last year Property was close to being sold to Hong Kong but failed an X-ray examination.
After finishing second to Catchy on debut, the gelding has won the males’ Diamond Preview and Prelude.
Property will be ridden at Caulfield on Saturday by the jockey regarded as the best in the world, Hong Kong-based Joao Moreira, after Craig Williams chose Catchy.
At Tuesday’s barrier draw for the $1.5 million race, he drew barrier three while favourite Catchy has gate 13 and $7.50 chance Formality 12.
“He’s improved with every start and he’s ready to peak,” Smerdon said.
The Caulfield trainer said Property had always displayed above-average ability and that was why he had attracted “a big offer” from Hong Kong.
He said the managing owner, Hong Kong-based David Price, had been disappointed initially that the sale had fallen through but “that had faded with time’’.
“It’s no surprise to me that’s Property’s done what he’s done as that’s why the Hong Kong offer was so big,” Smer- don said. “He’s done everything right and he’s improving with racing.
“I don’t think it’s a year with a standout and he’s one of five or six right in the mix.”
Property firmed to $5.50 equal favourite with Catchy after the barrier draw but has since drifted to $6.50.
Smerdon trained the winner of the 1985 Blue Diamond, Let’s Get Physical.
He is hoping for a better experience than two years ago when Fontiton started $2.25 favourite after she had won the fillies’ Preview and Prelude.
Fontiton finished fifth and pulled up lame and distressed.
“Everything on that day which could go wrong did go wrong,” Smerdon said.
He said three-year-old gelding Theanswermyfriend, who won at Sandown eight days ago, would have his next start in the Australian Guineas at Flemington on Saturday week.