YESTERDAY’S Globe Derby program provided the ideal tonic for young reinsman Michael Smith.
Feeling “a bit crook” going into the meeting, Smith had forgotten his woes as he headed home.
The source of Smith’s improved condition was his first quartet.
“I felt a bit crook yesterday but pushed on to drive,” Smith said. “I’m still not 100 per cent today but feel a lot better than I did.
“Getting four winners at a meeting for the first time sure helped ease the pain.”
Smith opened his account by guiding Glacier Heights to an upset win in 2:01.1 over 1800 metres.
Gaining the run of the race behind the leader, Grinfaron, Glacier Heights finished along the sprint lane to score by a neck from his John Dennis-trained stablemate Kentsford Kenny.
Grinfaron was a metre away third.
Smith then combined with astute horseman Bronte Giorgio for a double as Polly Put Kettleon and Perilous led throughout.
“Glacier Heights was a surprised, but I was more confident with the other two, especially Perilous after there was a scratching,” Smith said.
“I was then pretty sure I could get that fourth winner for the first time as Clarenden Envoy was odds-on and barring any bad luck should have had them covered.”
To Smith’s delight Clarenden Envoy was a class above his rivals as he cruised to an effortless 24-and-a-half metre victory from Trappertwo, with Giftedfromtheheart four metres away third.
Prepared by prominent horsewoman Claire Goble, Clarenden Envoy rated 2:03.6 over 1800 metres.
Bred and owned by Goble, the three-year-old broke his maiden stats at his sixth start having run three seconds and a third.
“He’s a nice horse which should get better with experience,” Smith said.
- PAUL COURTS
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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