Trainer Andrew Gluyas will be looking to secure a remarkable third straight victory in the Listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville this Saturday, with a strong three-horse team set to contest the feature for three-year-olds.
Gluyas has dominated the race in recent seasons, winning with future VRC Derby champion Goldrush Guru in 2024 and Air Assault in 2023. His record in the event stretches back further, having also tasted success with Pretty Punk (2016), Beluga Blue (2015) and Perfect Punch (2011) during his training partnership with Leon Macdonald.
This year, the Morphettville-based trainer will saddle up Goldrush Guru’s younger half-brother Golden Guru, alongside promising fillies Sassy Sophie and Freedom Flame.
“We’ve had a bit of luck in the race over time and we’ve been fortunate to have a couple of good horses win it in recent years,” Gluyas said.
“It’s always a good turning point of our spring for horses that are bred to get over a bit of ground.”
Of his trio, Gluyas believes Golden Guru gives him the best chance to extend his winning streak in the Hill Smith Stakes. The son of Toronado remains a maiden after four starts but showed real promise when flashing home late over 1600 metres last start despite being shuffled back early in a slowly run affair.
“He was a little unlucky last start when he got to the mile for the first time,” Gluyas said.
“He was strong to the line the other day and we’re hoping he can have a clear run on Saturday.
“The other two fillies (Sassy Sophie and Freedom Flame) did get their chance in the race (last start) so you would think that Golden Guru is the horse that might stand up at the moment.”
Gluyas’ Hill Smith Stakes record speaks for itself, and another victory this weekend would further cement his reputation for developing quality stayers in South Australia.
Punters looking to back Golden Guru or his stablemates in the Hill Smith Stakes can find competitive odds and bonus offers at Australia’s top betting sites — the most searched destinations on Google for horse racing markets and spring carnival promotions.