Moir Stakes squeeze could be godsend for Ability

Ben Dorries - Thursday September 28

Robert Smerdon reckons it might prove to be a blessing in disguise that his exciting sprinter Ability will miss the cut for the Group I Moir Stakes on Friday night.

Advertisement
Ability looks certain to be squeezed out of the Moir Stakes but Robert Smerdon reckons it could be for the best

With Ability the fourth emergency for the Moir, Smerdon has activated Plan B to head to the Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield on Sunday with the son of Reward For Effort.

Ability, a $5.50 chance on Sportsbet, will carry 60.5kg and start from the second widest barrier in the 16-horse field on Sunday.

But Smerdon, who wants to use the race as a springboard to the Group II Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on October 14, isn't fazed.

''Missing the Moir might be the best thing to happen to us, because to be honest I thought we were no chance of winning that race," Smerdon said.

"Yes the barrier isn't ideal on Sunday because it dictates we will have to go back further than we probably wanted.

"But I don't think it will have as big an impact as you think, given my horse's racing pattern and the way the race will be run.

"I think we will be very competitive and it could turn out to be the best thing that has happened missing the Moir."

Ability, not seen since winning the Group III Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Sandown in August, has been a new horse since being gelded.

Gone are his former traits of charging through the bridle and being his own worst enemy in his races.

Ability has now won four in a row and Smerdon has nominated him for the rich sprint Group I double of the Manikato Stakes and Darley Classic.

However Smerdon admits he is yet to be convinced Ability can perform at the highest level this spring.

It is why one of his first main missions is the Schillaci Stakes, when many of the country's best sprinters will be in Sydney for The Everest.

"Ability's form is still winter form and he has got to make the step up at this time of year," Smerdon said.

"The Schillaci will be run for the same money and same status as it normally is, yet many of the best sprinters won't be in Melbourne that day.

"I have nommed Ability for some big Group I races but his form between now and then will decide if he turns up."

Advertisment
More Reading...
G1 Golden Rose Field and Barrier Draw
Godolphin filly Tempted will take on eight colts in a nine horse Group One Golden Rose at Rosehill on Saturday where she retains favouritism after drawing barrier eight.
Tara Talks Racing - Trials and Racing
This week we’re talking trials after an insightful set of official 2YO trials in Sydney, plus some racing and how Fangirl will eventually go to stud with two Group I wins less on her resume than there should be.
First trial success for Sword Of State
Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State was represented by an impressive trial winner when State Of Valour coasted to victory in his two-year-old heat over 730m at Te Rapa on Tuesday.
Does Smerdon have the Ability to win the 2017 Memsie Stakes?
Bletchingly Stakes winner Ability won’t run in Saturday’s Regal Roller Stakes at Caulfield because trainer Robert Smerdon has his eye on a bigger prize for the rapid improver.
One to Watch – Warrnambool
So You Think is the first sire to hit 40 winners for the season and he did it with a three year-old filly that won easily on debut at Warrnambool on Monday in the Kia Ora Stud colours.
Kiwi Cup Contender Headed to Australia
Melbourne Cup aspirant Trav secured his plane ticket across the Tasman with a pleasing performance over 2100m at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Home Affairs 2YOs Shine at Official Sydney Trials
I Am Invincible’s exciting young sire son Home Affairs was the talk of the town after the yearling sales this year when his progeny topped both Magic Millions and Inglis Easter and at Randwick on Monday morning he had two runners at the official 2YO trials and both of them came out winners.
Sires With Winners - Monday September 22
Here is the full list of 28 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
2025 National Thoroughbred Week Launched
National Thoroughbred Week, the newly launched industry initiative designed to bring the public closer to the thoroughbred and our sport, is excited to confirm a truly trans-Tasman exposure, with hosts confirmed across all Australian and New Zealand regions.
Ability swoops to take 2017 Bletchingly Stakes
Ability signalled he could be a contender in feature races in the spring with victory in Sunday’s Group III Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Sandown Lakeside.