12 June 2020 | Chris Barsby
Quality Queensland pacers Smart As Camm Be and Lilac Flash have passed their first big test.
The stablemates both returned to the trial track earlier this week for trainer Darren Weeks and have come through their public outing in top shape.
Both pacers have been off the scene for twelve months, the last time they went to the races was June 22 at Redcliffe, Smart As Camm Be won the $21,150 Redcliffe Oaks while Lilac Flash finished fifth in the Gr.2 $50,700 Redcliffe City Gold Cup.
On Tuesday, both pacers stepped out in the open class trial at Albion Park over the 1660m and performed nicely when finishing just behind the winner Northview Hustler who led throughout.
Northview Hustler paced the mile in 1:53.2 – splits were covered in 28.1, 31.2, 27.5 & 26.6 seconds.
Smart As Camm Be finished third while Lilac Flash finished sixth.
But importantly, both pacers pleased connections.
“We were more than happy with their efforts for where they’re at so it’s a good start point. They both had a good blow but have bounced out of the trial in good order,” Weeks said.
“Both will trial again next week before we look at racing options in the short term.” He added.
Smart As Camm Be has won 12 of her 15 starts with earnings in excess of $150,000 while Lilac Flash has won 20 of his 57 starts with stakes of $165,000.
Since arriving from New Zealand, Lilac Flash has won 18 of his 37 starts under the care of Weeks.
Both pacers ventured to Melbourne last year and both proved successful, Smart As Camm Be won a heat of the Victoria Oaks while Lilac Flash won both of his starts at TABCORP Park, Melton including the Captain Sandy Free-For-All.
Smart As Camm Be is raced by the Smart family while Darren Wilson races Lilac Flash.
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