Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith is confident in the condition of his Group 1-performed sprinter Headwall ahead of Saturday’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot.
The six-year-old has hit career-best form this preparation, finishing runner-up to Joliestar in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) before an eye-catching third in a deep edition of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
“He had a bit of a breeze up this morning (Tuesday) on the grass and looked great,” Smith told TABradio.
“His condition’s good. He hasn’t lost any weight, which is important. He just seemed nice and bright. He was sharp and he was looking to do something, so that’s always good too.”
Smith is also optimistic that the Ascot layout will suit the powerful-finishing gelding.
“I had a good look at the track this morning. It’s got a good camber on it around the turn, which does help those horses back in the field. It’s not a particularly long straight, but he does have a good turn of foot.”
Reflecting on Headwall’s last run, Smith believes the performance was among the best of his career.
“It was a really good TJ (Smith Stakes) this year. I don’t know, it was eight or nine Group 1 winners in there.
“I was surprised to see him on the bit at the 200 (metres). I thought that was unusual in a TJ to be still travelling.”
“If he can reproduce his TJ run, he’s going to be fighting the finish. Now, he’s still got to travel here and he’s still got to do it, but we’re not seeing any signs that he won’t.”
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