Smart Missile Filly Headed for Black Type

Tara Madgwick - Friday August 31
The most anticipated runner at the big Wyong meeting on Friday was the unbeaten Kris Lees trained filly Smart Melody, who kept her perfect record intact.



Smart MissileA homebred for Gooree Stud, Smart Melody  (image Steve Hart) won her only two starts last season by a combined total of 10.6 lengths so there was much interest in her return in the Benchmark 74 event over 1100 metres.

She tracked the leaders for Kerrin McEvoy and then slid through along the inside after turning for home to score an easy length and a half win.

"There's a lot of positives to take out of that," said Kris Lees.

"There are a lot of good three year-olds around, but I think she's one of them."

Smart Melody is entered for all the spring majors including the Cox Plate so expectations are obviously high.

Smart Melody is the first winner for stakes-winning Encosta de Lago mare Sweetest Melody, who was on-sold by Gooree Stud at the Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale earlier this year for $51,000 in foal to Choisir.

With three wins in as many starts, Smart Melody looks a real rising star for Smart Missile, who stands at a fee of $13,200 at Twin Hill Stud.

Advertisment
More Reading...
2025 G1 Cox Plate Field and Barrier Draw
A field of nine has been finalised for the 2025 Cox Plate with favourite Via Sistina drawing gate seven for Chris Waller and James McDonald, while one three-year-old has accepted to run in Nepotism.
Pier Headed to Melbourne
Following his pleasing third placing in last Saturday’s A$5 million Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) at Randwick, trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley have decided to head south with Pier to test his talent in Melbourne.
Jericho Lad Makes it a Stakes Double for Smart Missile
The amazing last to first win by Jericho Missile in the Listed D'Orsogna-Belgravia Stakes (1200m) at Ascot rounded out another successful Saturday Twin Hills Stud’s resident stallion Smart Missile.
Cambridge Stud Celebrate Ceolwulf Victory
Homebred Ceolwulf’s successful defence of his Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) title ensured Cambridge Stud celebrated a top day at Randwick.
Golden Rose Possible for Smart 3YO
Entered for the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas and Group I ATC Golden Rose, promising Smart Missile three year-old Yao Dash took another step forward when beating highly rated filly Funstar at Randwick on Saturday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday October 21
Here is the full list of 15 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
First Win for $2.1million Magic Millions Sale-Topper
It was a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at Te Aroha on Wednesday when Avantaggia, the filly that topped the 2024 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, broke through for her maiden win in the Donaghys Moxipor (1150m).
Henry Longfellow Pedigree Gets an Update
Group I winning Dubawi stallion Henry Longfellow (IRE) is covering his first Australian book of mares at Rosemont Stud this spring and overnight in Ireland his two year-old sister-in-blood landed her first Group race win.
TBA Mourn Passing of So You Think
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse join the wider industry in mourning the passing of So You Think, one of the modern greats of the Australian turf and a truly elite sire.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Hawkesbury
A lone 2YO went around in an 800m trial for two and three year-olds at Hawkesbury on Tuesday and the Snitzel colt won in good style carrying the Mulberry Racing colours.