Blinkers likely for Smash in The Everest

Brad Waters - Tuesday September 19

Blinkers will probably go on Brave Smash in The Everest and the Japanese import is likely to have his final lead-up run in Saturday's Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

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Brave Smash will probably have the blinkers on in The Everest.

The Australian Turf Club nominated Brave Smash as its representative in The Everest last week despite the Darren Weir-trained galloper having both of his Australian runs in Melbourne.

Brave Smash ran second to Vega Magic first-up in August before posting a win in Listed class at Moonee Valley on September 12, which convinced the ATC to do a deal to have the stallion represent them in the $10 million event on October 14.

Weir told RSN927 that Brave Smash had a slight problem jumping cleanly, which was a reason for using the blinkers in The Everest.

"I'm thinking the blinkers on in The Everest," Weir said.

"Heading towards The Everest, I guess he'd have to improve those little barrier habits a little bit to have any chance of running in the money."

Jockey Damian Lane headed to Casterton to ride Brave Smash in a course-proper gallop on Tuesday morning and Weir said he would assess the Testa Rossa Stakes after accepting with the five-year-old.

"I'm a bit keen to run because he's obviously a bull and a bit big and that gives us three weeks to The Everest," Weir said.

"I think fourth-up into The Everest would be terrific and the three-week gap between his third and fourth run fits well with me.

"I'd be a little keener to ride him a little quieter, maybe midfield, on Saturday if we run and be strong through the line."

Sportsbet has Brave Smash as an $11 chance in its latest betting on The Everest.

Chuatauqua is the $5 favourite for the Randwick feature ahead of Vega Magic at $5.50 with Menari and Redzel on the third line of betting at
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