Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Inexperienced New Zealand-bred three-year-old Mister Smartee has not been extended in coasting to victory at his first two appearances in WA, and he looks certain to develop into a leading candidate for the $200,000 WA Derby on November 3.
He was the $1.30 favourite from the No. 1 barrier when Gary Hall Jnr drove him to an all-the-way win in the 2536m Beau Rivage Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Mister Smartee dashed over the final 400m sections in 28.1sec. and 27.9sec. to win by 4m from $9 second fancy Crowd Control, rating 1.57.3.
“I know he is a nice horse, and now it’s a matter of some fine-tuning,” said Hall. “He is just a big baby who runs around and uses plenty of the track. That’s alright when he is out in front. Now we have to see him racing from behind. He has the Hidez hood on, and without that he is a bit mad and gets a bit revvy. He will get there in time; he is not a slow learner.
“In New Zealand they drove him for his speed, which is easier to do in New Zealand than here. Speed is what they considered his best asset. I actually thought when we first got him that his toughness was somewhat questionable after he got tired on me on the track.
“But ever since that day he has been really good. Tonight, he could have gone another lap. He was cruising. All he needs is a bit of Senior’s treatment and he’ll be alright.”
Mister Smartee, who had two starts in New Zealand as a two-year-old for a win and a head second placing, is by American stallion Always B Miki and is out of unraced Mare Luna Danza, whose dam Lento had 64 starts for 15 wins, 15 placings and stakes of $272,110.
Lento has produced seven winners, with Luna Danza her eleventh and last foal. Luna Danza is a half-sister to Our Toto, who had 33 starts for the Hall stable for eleven wins and eight placings.