Saturday's Valley run not the grand final for Lovani

Brad Waters - Thursday August 24

Lovani has been a slight mover in the market but trainer Robert Smerdon suggests a cautious approach from punters looking for a betting lead on Saturday's Dr Sheahan Plate (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Advertisement
Lovani has had some support in the early betting on Saturday's Moonee Valley meeting. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Sportsbet and William Hill have turned Lovani's price from $11 to $9 while Ladbrokes have tightened her quote from $10 to $9 but Smerdon said Saturday's 1200m affair was a good platform for races over longer trips.

"Like most things these days, it (the money) is not stable inspired. It's probably just people doing the form and seeing what price she should be," Smerdon said.

"She's in good shape but she's certainly aimed at races a bit longer down the track.

"We had her poking around and having an easy time but in three weeks' time she'll go into a 1400m race, which will be more to her liking."

Lovani won her last two runs over 1600m before Smerdon gave her a break to recover ahead of some more testing assignments in the spring.

Smerdon said the daughter of Lonhro never left his Caulfield stable with the team preferring to lessen Lovani's workload rather than send her to a paddock, which the trainer said posed its own difficulties.

"At that time of the year when you're trying to extend their prep into the spring, I just think the stable is the best place for them because it's a protected environment," Smerdon said.

"They go to the paddock for any length of time and the climate can knock them back a bit."

Lovani was given an easy time in an 800m jumpout at Caulfield on Tuesday morning but Smerdon said the four-year-old was in good order for her coming tests.

"The idea is to maintain her preparation until some black type opportunities in the spring," Smerdon said.

"She's thriving, I think she looks great in herself and I'm happy with that aspect but the objective is to try and be competitive in three to five weeks' time when they have the black type races."

Luke Currie will ride Lovani in Saturday's $100,000 contest.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Magic Team Boosted by Appointment of Annie O'Rourke
Leading Australian Thoroughbred auctioneer Magic Millions is delighted to announce the appointment of Annie O'Rourke to bolster its impressive team. 
Six out of Seven for Aussie Bred HK Up and Comer
Yulong are producing a large number of horses each year and one whose dam was offloaded last year for $5,500 on Inglis Digital has put together an impressive Hong Kong record with six wins and a second from seven starts with his latest victory at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Breeding to Win - 2025 G1 Stradbroke Handicap
It's Queensland's greatest race and just like Australia's other famous handicaps “The Straddie” holds a special place in the punters heart with a couple of wily old warriors at the top of the weights and mixed formlines making for intrigue aplenty as we search for the winner!
National Pony Racing Series Final Results
Thoroughbred Industry Careers have announced winenrs and place-getters from the National Pony Racing Series Final at the Gold Coast last week.
Stellar Line Up For Goffs London Sale On The Eve Of Royal Ascot
The Goffs London Sale invaiably produces some horses that find their way to Australia and this iconic opening act to Royal Ascot will be held next week.
Sires With Winners - Thursday June 12
Here is the full list of 34 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Gosford
This I Am Invincible two year-old colt was sent around on debut in the Listed MRC Debutant Stakes last spring finishing out of the money, but the ability he showed back then came to fruition at Gosford on Thursday.
The Snitzel Legacy
A four time Champion Australian Sire in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, Snitzel was an extremely fertile sire that covered 3043 mares in 19 seasons at stud in Australia and attracted 100 plus books in every year since 2010, so his passing will cast shockwaves through the breeding industry.
$305,000 Mare in Foal to Wootton Bassett Tops Inglis Digital
The popularity of Coolmore shuttle stallion Wootton Bassett (GB) continues to intensify with a sale-topping result in today’s Inglis Digital June (Early) Online Sale.
Novara Park confirms 2025 service fees
In line with the current economic climate, Novara Park owner Luigi Muollo has made adjustments to the service fees for the stud’s four-strong stallion roster.