Trainer Matt Smith Targets Stakes Grade with Golden Straand at Scone

Warwick Farm trainer Matt Smith is preparing his four-year-old horse, Golden Straand, for a significant step up in class at the listed Ortensia Stakes in Scone this Saturday. Owned by Gerry Harvey, the Snitzel colt has shown impressive form with five victories in ten starts, including recent wins at Warwick Farm and Hawkesbury. Although Smith originally targeted a 1200-meter distance, he has opted for the 1100-meter race, believing Scone’s long straight will effectively simulate the longer trip. Golden Straand enters as the $4.60 favorite despite drawing the wide gate 19, with jockey Jay Ford taking the ride. The trainer acknowledges the horse's vulnerability at the shorter distance but remains optimistic about its sharpness and fitness following early career setbacks, including a stress fracture. A strong performance could open doors to bigger targets, potentially in Brisbane, while a loss would likely see the horse return to easier benchmarks. Additionally, Smith noted that another of his horses, Portland, is ready for upcoming races at Doomben or Rosehill, depending on track conditions.