Trainer Shane Baertschiger said he would resist the temptation of turning One Smart Cat out for a break following his victory in the $65,000 Novice Stakes over 1100m on the Polytrack on Friday night.
Ridden by Jacky Low, One Smart Cat scored a fighting three-quarter length victory over Cavallo with Super Spur four-and-a-half lengths back in third place.
One Smart Cat was one of the first to begin and Low elected to roll forward on the three-year-old to and share the lead with Cavallo and Baby Face.
Coming off the back Baby Face and Super Spur took a sit which allowed One Smart Cat to come across and eyeball Cavallo and on turning for home the pair settled down to stage a two-horse war to the line.
It was felt that the $8 favourite Cavallo with the stronger rider on board could worry One Smart Cat out of the major prize, but Low was able to extract the best from the gelding and in the end score a solid win.
“I just left it to Jacky to ride him where he was comfortable,” said Baertschiger.
“We discussed that there was a bit of pace and if he wanted to take a sit then to do so, but he jumped so well that he decided to go forward.
“I thought in the end that he won pretty well and they did space the others as well.”
Baertschiger purchased One Smart Cat for NZ$60,000 at the Ready To Sales last year and expects the gelding to get over more ground.
“When they settled down for a fight in the straight I knew my bloke would be strong to the line,” said Baertschiger.
“He’s bred to get over further and his half-brother has won over two miles in Australia.
“My original thoughts were to turn him out after tonight, but I might keep him going for a bit longer yet.
“I might try him in something a bit longer if I can find the right race and then turn him out for a break.”
