Japanese-bred, Australian-owned and trained Brave Smash (JPN) ran down the US-bred, Irish-trained Spirit Of Valour (USA) and Godolphin's local hope Kementari in a thrilling renewal of the $1 million Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Invincible Star led a steady clip, but it was obvious on the turn that Aidan O'Brien's Spirit Of Valour (USA) had her measure. But as soon as the son of War Front put his head in front he came under attack from Hugh Bowman on the Darren Weir-trained Brave Smash (JPN).
Winner of the Group 1 Futurity Stakes in the autumn, Brave Smash edged Spirit Of Valour by a short-neck with Kementari powering home from near the tail of the field a further half-length back in third with another fast-finisher Spright clocking in fourth. (photos Grant Courtney).
Carrying the colours of Australian Bloodstock, Brave Smash (JPN) advances his overall record to 5 wins, 8 seconds and 5 thirds from 28 starts with earnings of $3,367,623.
He was set for the Everest and we were hoping he would handle a wet track, which he obviously didn't," Bowman said.
"He always runs well at Moonee Valley and with blinkers added, I said don't put them on in the Everest, but he was primed for the evening.
"I was so happy with him in the Moir, he ran a hell of a race, the 1000m was a bit short for him but Darren has really been able to train him for the distance this time in and it's paid dividends."
Darren Weir said everything fell into place for the 6yo entire.
"He got a great ride, pinged the gates and got into a really nice spot, Weir said.
"We thought we had him right for the Everest but obviously he didn't handle the track.
"The plan was to put the blinkers on him for the Everest but Hughie said he probably didn't need them.
"I thought he needed them tonight to get him into the race and be sharp enough.
"We've had a great association (with Australian Bloodstock). Things haven't gone right over the past six months but they never whinge, they stick solid and they will find more of these type of horses. They are great to deal with and find the right horses."
Brave Smash (JPN) is the lone stakes-winner for his sire Tosen Phantom (JPN) a stakes-winning son of the Sunday Silence stallion Neo Universe.
The dam of Brave Smash, Token Smash (Tokai Teio), is a winning half-sister to multiple stakes winner Tosen Jo O (Timber Country).
