Show Us A Smile gets his chance to atone for a poor showing two weeks ago when he lines up in Race 5 at Eagle Farm this afternoon, a no-metro-win handicap over 1600m.
After winning two in a row leading into his last start, the four-year-old missed the kick against a handy field, worked around the entire field to sit outside the leader facing the breeze and unsurprisingly finished last.
The run rated more than 20 pounds below what he produced two back at this track and trip where he led from pillar to post to notch an impressive win.
Just a quick formline – on that occasion he finished 1.5L clear of Danyme who ran second in the race at Doomben two weeks ago.
He then came out and won at Eagle Farm during the week.
Show Us A Smile will carry 4kg less today than he did when missing the jump two weeks ago, given the engagement of apprentice Kirk Matheson.
Ballina Cup winner Playitstraight has been scratched and he was looking the main danger.
He has a few handy opponents in the likes of Brave Ali and Wind Wand, but at $3.60 Show Us A Smile can bounce back in style.
The bet of the day comes the race prior where Listen Son lines up as a very juicy $7 shot in the 1200m open handicap.
He ran in a similar race three weeks back at this track over 1200m, carrying the same 58kg he’s been given here, but that was over 1300m.
He sped over to the front and led until 100m from home before the in-form Mishani Warrior ground him down.
To his credit, Listen Son fought on gamely and finished less than a length away despite his relatively big weight.
He bumps into another strong looking field today but he looks to have a class edge on most of these.
Rocket To Glory has been flying this campaign winning both runs back from a spell.
Vintage Moss meanwhile is a classy galloper who has been freshened up nicely for this while Signified and Miss Imagica have their share of ability but Listen Son rates clear of these on weight-adjusted ratings and looks a very solid play.
We’ll close out the program by taking on one of the shortest on the card in Someday, who runs around in the Goulburn Valley Handicap over the mile.
He’s back in town after two runs in Sydney - a game 10th behind Rebel Dane and a well-held ninth behind Riva De Lago.
Granted, this is a much easier race and he did win the Glasshouse the last time he went around this side of the Tweed, but I suspect he might be winding down now this campaign.
Plus he’s bumped into a pretty handy looking field here.
Epic Terra led all the way for a dominant win at Doomben over this trip two weeks back.
Youthful Jack is tough as nails while [n]Volkhere looks ready to win one.
Someday can win this, but $2.60 is a ludicrous price at this point.
BANKER: Race 5 #6 Show Us A Smile @ $3.60
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 4 #2 Listen Son @ $7
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 7 #3 Someday @ $2.60
