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No wet track concerns with Weona Smartone

1 December 2021

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DSD-2693.jpgBy Glenn Davis

Boom sprinter Weona Smartone is the first horse to win seven straight races for trainer David Vandyke and he'll be hoping for an eighth if the gelding resumes at Doomben on Saturday.

Weona Smartone will step up to Open company for the first time in his career in the Group 3 George Moore Stakes over 1200 metres if Vandyke proceeds with a Doomben start.

“He’s also entered for the Gold Coast on Saturday and I’ll accept in both places and make an informed decision closer to the time,” Vandyke said.

“If he runs in the George Moore and finishes in the top three, I’ll be delighted.”

Doomben is rated a Heavy 10 as the big wet in the south-east continues, but Vandyke isn’t concerned with a wet track.

Five-year-old Weona Smartone’s career has been restricted to only eight starts.

The son of Shamexpress hasn’t raced since winning a 1200-metre Class 6 at the Gold Coast in September.

Weona Smartone was due to make his comeback in the Listed Keith Noud Stakes at Doomben last month but Vandyke wasn’t happy with him at the time and delayed his return.

The gelding subsequently barrier trialled on his home track at the Sunshine Coast, finishing second to the Chris Anderson-trained Ballistic Boy in his 1200-metre hit-out.

Vandyke is not concerned with Weona Smartone’s fitness level for the George Moore Stakes.

“He’ll be fit enough,” Vandyke warned.

“He went well in his barrier trial just as we expected him to.

“He got the job done and fought on well in the straight.

“Being first-up won’t be a disadvantage as he loves wet tracks and has won on heavy.”

Vandyke has trained many top gallopers during his career including Alligator Blood who he prepared to claim the Group 1 Australian Guineas at Caulfield in February last year.

However, Weona Smartone was the first horse who won seven races straight for him and has been a great asset to the former Sydney trainer.

“He’s only had eight starts but that’s not unusual for me,” he said.

“His stablemate Skins is a six-year-old and he’s only started eight times.”

Weona Smartone (NZ) RETIRED 2023