SMART STAR RATES HIGHLY AFTER FLUENT WORKOUT

Roda Robot and Sacred Command set to liven up Class 41,400m contest on May I2

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In this sport, like in all others, an element of luck is sometimes needed when you are heading for that spot at the top of the podium.

Well, Smart Star did not have things go his way at his last start over the 2,000m trip and, as we now know, it probably did cost him the race.

Smart Star had to do it the hard way on April 21. Under the guidance of French jockey Ryan Curatolo, he had to take the scenic route - and without cover - for all of the arduous journey, which meant he covered more ground than his five rivals.

To compound matters, it was later reported that he had cast an offfore plate during the race.

Yes, on the day, the five-year-old by Star Witness did not get any of the smart breaks a galloper would need in a race like that.

Still, and very much to his credit, he tossed in a mighty effort when finishing second by a head to Saint Tropez.

That day, racegoers sent him off as the $10 favourite - many remembering his maiden win on Nov 18, 2023, was over 2,000m on turf -

but they did not get a return on their investments.