Trainer Matthew Smith is hopeful that Golden Straand can get his campaign back on track this weekend, with the five-year-old son of Snitzel set to compete in the $1 million Listed The Hunter at Newcastle.
The trip to Melbourne for the Group 2 Rising Fast Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day proved unsuccessful for the Warwick Farm-trained galloper, who finished ninth over 1200 metres.
Golden Straand raced on the speed but faded late, with Smith attributing the performance to the horse being too keen from the outset.
“He just began too quickly,” Smith said. “He drew the right part of the track, but the plan was to ride him with cover and he jumped straight to the front. So, it all went pear-shaped right out of the gate.”
This will be Golden Straand’s first start at 1300 metres since finishing fifth in a benchmark 78 at Randwick on Golden Eagle Day last year.
Smith expressed confidence that the distance would not be an issue, provided the race plan is executed better than at his last start.
“The 1300 should be ideal for him and just hopefully we get to ride him like the start before, when he got a bit of covered and finished off,” he stated. “He’s a big-galloping, big-striding horse, Newcastle should suit him and 1300 shouldn’t be a problem.”
Golden Straand is one of 32 entries for The Hunter, a list that includes last year’s winner Coal Crusher, Bill Ritchie Stakes winner General Salute, The Invitation runner-up Infancy, Run Harry Run, and Sweynesday.
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