Wez Hunter’s first taste of Group One success has whetted his appetite and the trainer is counting down the days until Smokin’ Joey’s tilt at the Stradbroke Handicap.

A last-start winner of the Group One Goodwood in Adelaide, Smokin’ Joey continued his preparations for Saturday week’s Stradbroke with a pleasing barrier trial hit-out at Cranbourne on Monday.

The six-year-old finished third to Shanghai Warrior in his 800m heat, running home under his own steam and did more than enough to convince his trainer he was on target for his shot at a second Group One win.

“I can’t wait to get up there,” Hunter said.

“It’s exciting to have such a good horse and I think he’s a real live chance in a race like that.

“Seven furlongs (1400m) is his pet distance and with hot speed on where he can be the one finishing off should really suit him.”

Smokin’ Joey has spent much of his time at the beach since his Goodwood win and Hunter says the gelding has bounced back really well from his Adelaide experience.

“We just took him to Cranbourne today for a clean out. We left the blinkers off him but gave him a nice little hit-out and he trialled really well,” Hunter said.

Smokin’ Joey will be flown to Brisbane on Wednesday week and Ben Melham takes the ride in the Stradbroke.

Weights were released on Monday with Smokin’ Joey, a late entry after his Goodwood win, given 55kg.

He will go up to 55.5kg with topweight Buffering (59kg) not running, meaning weights will need to be raised half a kilo to have a minimum topweight of 58kg which would be Spirit Of Boom.

Hunter is comfortable with the weight given to his charge.

“He carried 56 in Adelaide and 55-1/2 will be no problem,” he said.