Smokin’ Suzy on track for back-to-back wins

TRAINER Marc Quinn knew Smokin’ Suzy would deliver his stable success eventually and she’s on track to put back-toback wins together today at Tuncurry.

The Denman mare races in a Class 1 Handicap (1000m) after breaking through for a win at start 14 at Port Macquarie.

She drew barrier 12 that day and it forced a change of tactics which proved vital in the end as she stormed home to win by half a length.

“She’s always shown ability which is why we’ve persevered with her. She’s just taken time to mature and strengthen up,” Quinn said.

“She’s been good this preparation running into some smart maiden horses. She ran sixth (to Good Excuse) on Port Macquarie Cup day then was sixth again on Cessnock Cup day when she couldn’t get a crack at them and it was like she didn’t run.

“That’s why we gave her a six-day back-up. She had a bad barrier so we rode her quiet and saved her for one last shot.”

She’s drawn opposite in barrier one so she won’t have to run past as many in the straight today and Cejay Graham sticks with the four-year-old who carries just 53.5kg.

“We’ll still ride her quiet but she won’t get as far back. There’s speed in the race and it’s a lovely big track at Tuncurry. She’ll need a touch of luck but she’s not going to have to do a lot of work,” Quinn said.

Quinn knows which horse is the one to beat.

“She’s rock-hard fit while a few of them are first-up up. The top weight (Snip ‘N’ Stare) will be hard to beat. It’s got form around Bare Naked Lady,” he said.

“Everyone says how hard it is going from a maiden to a Class 1 and it is but they’re still all in the same boat and mine’s in form.”