MILE A QUESTION MARK FOR SMILE
THERE’S no doubt that You Make Me Smile is a good each-way hope in today’s Listed Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury but there’s just one question mark hanging over his head.
The Jason Coyle-trained six-year-old has been running well in a number of good Saturday city races this time in but hasn’t been over more than 1300m so far.
He’s had two 1300m runs in a row including a last start third-placing behind the inform Man Of Peace at Randwick and will love the cut out of the Hawkesbury track.
He’s by So Yu Think so, on paper, 1600m shouldn’t be an issue.
“I think it’s a journey that he’s obviously a question mark at having never been over it but he gives the impression the way he’s racing that he’ll enjoy the trip,” Coyle said.
“He’s got the pedigree there that says he should have been over this trip already. He’s had a history of doing it a bit too keen over shorter races but I think that habit is well and truly gone now and in his last few starts he’s been relaxing quite well.
“It’s a good chance to try him over the journey.”
To win, You Make Me Smile will have to beat the Chris Waller brigade that includes the in-form Toryjoy, Savabeel and Order Again and all will be strong over a mile. You Make Me Smile gets barrier five.
“He’s got a soft draw and I’ve booked a fairly competent rider (Rachel King) who will be able to sort it out in the first furlong,” Coyle said. Coyle will be hoping emergency Doctor Manhattan gets a run in the last after running in some good form races last preparation including a run behind eventual Group 1 winner Colette.
“He’s got to go around and start his preparation,” Coyle said. “The edge is off the track, which he likes, and his trials have been okay.”
One of Coyle’s best horses River Bird also makes her return to racing in the Group 3 Toy Show (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday.