NZ HARNESS NEWS
He’s had to be more patient than he probably would have liked, but the wait was more than worth it for Gavin Smith with his debutant trotting winner, Locksmith, at Rangiora on Sunday.
The royally-bred trotter, who is a full brother to former open class trotting star Sovereignty, has just turned four but has been limited in his opportunities due to his hulking frame, which has taken plenty of time to grow into.
“He is very big,” Smith said.
“He’s probably the biggest horse I have trained and that’s why we have had to be patient with him.”
Smith admitted after the gelding’s impressive victory, that it wasn’t until the horse’s last preparation that he realised he had a decent prospect on his hands.
“I didn’t think much of him until last time he was in but it was largely because he was so big and so weak.”
After showing a good, clean pair of heels from the stand start on Sunday, Smith handed up to even-money favourite Cuckoo’s Nest and then came off his back to blow him away at the top of the straight.
“I know we got a good trip, but I was really happy with his performance because of his experience.
“He’s just improved every time I’ve done anything with him this time in and I think with another prep, he will end up being quite a smart trotter.”
The only downfall of a victory is the potential for someone else to take an interest and Smith is hopeful that the sharks don’t circle for too long because he’s quite excited about the future.
“There is a bit of interest in him.
“At this stage the plan is to give him another couple of runs and then send him for a spell.”
Locksmith is raced by long-time stable client and renowned photographer, Trish Dunell and the win on Sunday brought up a major milestone in Smith’s training career with the win his 200th.
“It was pretty special to get the win with one of their horses as they have been my biggest supporters for the day I started training.”
- NZ Harness News
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