If Way To The Stars can strike it right at Caulfield on Saturday, a Group 1 Oakleigh Plate tilt could be on the agenda later in the campaign.
Finding the right race for the seven-year-old has not been straightforward for Matthew Smith, with the Warwick Farm trainer opting to test the gelding in the Listed W.J. Adams Stakes over 1000 metres.
Way To The Stars was also nominated for the Listed Goldmarket (1100m) at the Gold Coast on Friday night, but connections elected to head to Caulfield after drawing barrier three.
“We have taken the harder option but the draw at the Gold Coast and with the speed in the race I could see him caught wide,” Smith said.
“So we have chosen to take the race with the better barrier.”
The gelding was a winner of the Listed Century Stakes (1000m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival last year, while his only previous Caulfield run saw him finish sixth in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint (1100m) when conditions worked against him.
His most recent appearance produced a strong second in the Listed Bribie Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm, earning a Racing and Sports rating of 114.
“There isn’t an easy sequence of races for him at this time of year but I thought the Brisbane race was perfect first-up,” Smith said.
“But if he can get around Caulfield then there are other options further into the carnival like the Oakleigh Plate.
“Beast Mode has speed and if he can sit off them, he may be a chance.”
Way To The Stars is rated a $7 chance, with Beast Mode heading the market at $3.10.
“This will give us an idea where he’s up to against some decent horses,” Smith said.
“He has to step up but you’ve got to have a plan and put things in place.”
Those following the W.J. Adams Stakes can compare current betting markets for the race ahead of Saturday’s meeting.
The post Smith finding his Way To The Stars at Caulfield first appeared on Just Horse Racing.