Smith confident Lunar Lover can finish like a rocket at Kembla

Warwick Farm horseman Matthew Smith is banking on an improved performance from the talented Lunar Lover at Kembla Grange on Tuesday when the galloper spearheads his four-horse assault on the meeting.

A five-year-old gelding by Sea The Moon, Lunar Lover has only had nine starts but has won twice and has three third placings. He raced at Canterbury on January 1 and started favourite at $2.60, only to finish ninth behind Scarli Japali.

Trainer Matthew Smith.Credit: Getty Images

Lunar Lover lines up in the Complete Warehouse Solutions Benchmark 64 Handicap (2400m) with Jason Collett booked for the ride.

“His first two runs back from a spell were good,” Smith said of Lunar Lover, referring to a resuming third at Gosford before a fifth at Warwick Farm.

“He was down the track at Canterbury the other day over 1900m, but he raced keenly early and
didn’t travel the best. The step up to the 2400m at Kembla Grange should suit. It will give him time to settle, and he should be very strong to the line.”

Smith and Collett also combine with Fierce Critic in The Publicans Super Maiden Plate (1300m). Fierce Critic is a filly by Smith’s former top galloper Fierce Impact, and she’s had four trials.

“She had a couple of trials back in July and has had another couple recently to prepare for her debut,” Smith said. “She’s drawn wide but should run well.“

Smith’s first runner of the day at Kembla Grange will be the Pierre Boudvillain-ridden Eureka Rebel in the Kembla Classic Race Day March 13th Maiden Plate (1600m).

Also by Fierce Impact, Eureka Rebel has had two race starts for a debut third at Goulburn before an eighth at Kembla Grange when beaten five lengths by Dynast King.

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The Alysha Collett-ridden Fairhead will represent Smith in the Altus Traffic Class 1 Handicap (1400m). Collett has ridden Fairhead in two of her five starts and was aboard for the first time when she won her maiden at Goulburn on May 30 of last year.

She followed that up with a fourth at Hawkesbury and resumes on Tuesday after two trials.

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Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au

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