Superhard stays unbeaten at Sandown

Brad Waters - Wednesday September 6

Superhard does what he wants at the start of his races but the three-year-old produced an irresistible finish to Wednesday's Sheamus Mills Bloodstock Handicap (1000m) at Sandown.

Advertisement
Robert Smerdon has a smart colt on his hands in the shape of Superhard. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Trainer Robert Smerdon said Superhard fired up and over-raced if pushed out of the gates, which made life difficult in his debut win at Pakenham but the colt had no such trouble on Wednesday.

"He had just got into this habit of falling out of the barriers," Smerdon said. "We were mindful that he was always a bit keen going so we were a bit soft on him in the barriers.

"He flew the start today. Maybe drawing wide was a plus because he wasn't in there long and then he got into that spot without being rubbed along.

"His manners were so much better today and I'm hoping that's the way it's going to be for him going forward."

A better getaway on Wednesday left jockey Ryan Maloney able to park Superhard in third spot on the back of favourite Written Choice until the 300m.

Written Choice claimed the leader Wait For No One at the 150m but was unable to withstand the winner's finish in the last 100m.

Smerdon said Superhard as primarily a sprinter but he would assess the colt's progress on a run-by-run basis.

"He's a horse of obvious talent," Smerdon said.

"I'm pleased that he could win a race of quite a bit of depth. In the months to come, we'll look back and it will be quite a good form reference."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Kiwi Slot Decisions Coming
With NZB Kiwi favourite Well Written confirmed to run in the Entain/TAB NZ slot in New Zealand’s richest race, attention is now being focused on decisions around other prominent candidates for the $4 million March 7 feature.
Inglis Nursery Sale Mail - From $1.2million to $1250
The $400,000 Inglis Nursery RL (1000m) is run at Randwick on Saturday with a field of 11 accepting for a race just for 2YOs offered through Inglis sales with the highest priced runner a colt by Wootton Bassett (GB).
So You Think Mare Happy to Return Home to Cambridge Stud
Emerging stayer Mollify looks to have another gilt-edged opportunity to further her record on Friday and progress toward more lucrative middle-distance assignments.
Sires With Winners - Thursday December 11
Here is the full list of 39 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
The Ingham – Now That is a Race Name!
The changing landscape of Australian stakes racing as we move through the 21st century has led to plenty of race name changes that have often been greeted with a mixed response, but when the G2 Villiers became the Ingham it was an immediate winner!
One to Watch -Scone
A filly with a pedigree that wouldn’t be out of place on the best tracks in Europe was a surprise debut winner at Scone on Thursday in the Australian Bloodstock colours.
Bright Future Tipped for Well Bred Wootton Bassett 3YO
A bright future is being tipped for well-bred three-year-old Day One following his maiden victory in the Barfoot & Thompson 1600 at Ellerslie on Thursday.
Outpacing Tradition: The Digital Shift in Australia’s Thoroughbred Sales
For more than a century, Australia’s thoroughbred sales revolved around polished auction rings, bustling sale grounds, and agents hunting for future champions.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Caulfield
Just the one heat for juveniles at Caulfield this morning, but the winner is a powerhouse colt by Home Affairs that looks a lot like Dad!
Breeding To Win – 2025 $2million The G2 Ingham
A huge field lines up for a great rendition of the $2million G2 Ingham, and I'm going with an upset result and a trifecta that might pay for some Christmas treats!