True to his name, Sure Thing has been a revelation for trainer David Smith, proving a bargain buy who’s been unstoppable across regional Western Australia. Since his February debut in WA, the former eastern states galloper has chalked up five wins from seven starts, collecting over $37,000 in prizemoney after being bought for just $13,000.
Dominating at Esperance and Kalgoorlie, the four-year-old gelding is now being aimed at Perth competition. While Smith remains unsure just how far Sure Thing can go, he’s thrilled with the return from a horse that was picked for his looks and speed. “He’s going really well,” Smith told Racing WA. “We picked him out; he was a nice looker and had pace.”
Though his feet were initially a concern, Smith credits partner Shannon Anthony for getting them right. Sure Thing recently cruised to victory by 2 ½ lengths at Kalgoorlie, adding to a growing winning streak. Smith now hopes to chase his first ever Saturday victory with the promising gelding. “I’ve never had a Saturday winner, so I would like to get one before I give it away,” he said.
Should Sure Thing rise to the challenge in Perth, it could open the door to races like the Hannans Handicap. “That’s a bit of a pipe dream but if he could measure up, he could be a chance,” Smith said. “He got the 1300m quite easily yesterday (Sunday) and we should be able to stretch him out, hopefully.”
Sure Thing has previously raced under the care of Matt Cumani and Mark Walker before joining Smith. His debut win in WA, a 5 ½ length romp at Esperance, made an immediate impression. Despite a fourth-place finish at Ascot and one runner-up result, he’s shown nothing but consistency for his new stable.
With uncertainty still surrounding Belmont’s condition, Smith is eyeing other venues like Pinjarra or Northam for Sure Thing’s next start. The Hannans Handicap (1400m), Kalgoorlie’s premier sprint race, looms on October 1.
If you’re planning to back Sure Thing or follow his next run, be sure to compare odds and promotions across top betting sites Australia wide.