Outs could aid Smith comeback
The surprise withdrawals of Benito and Pininci could be a stroke of luck for Glenn Smith in his comeback ride aboard Black Heart Bart in the $100,000 Crawford Stakes (1000m) at Ascot tomorrow.
Trainer David Harrison had to scratch both geldings from the Listed scamper after they were wrongly administered medication to treat dust allergies by a staff member yesterday morning.
The medication is expected to remain in their system for seven days, preventing them from lining up tomorrow.
Benito won the $100,000 Thunderbolt (1000m) last Saturday week and had strong claims in the Crawford.
Harrison was philosophical about the error.
"It is unfortunate, but they were mistakenly given the wrong treatment," Harrison said.
"The upside is we still have the Summer Scorcher on Perth Cup day and the Scenic Blast for them.
"Benito was brought back with the Crawford in mind, but he won the Thunderbolt, which carried the same prize money."
Smith has endured a tough six months, with injuries from two falls and a suspension keeping him sidelined at a time when Black Heart Bart progressed through his grades.
Smith was aboard the gelding when he broke his maiden status over 1000m at Bunbury in October, but hasn't ridden him in his four races since, including the win in the Listed Carbine Club of WA Stakes (1400m).
Trainer Vaughn Sigley considered spelling the son of Blackfriars ahead of next year's Cyril Flower Stakes and Bunbury Stakes following his impressive win last Saturday. But he decided to push on when Crawford entries were extended until Wednesday morning because of a lack of numbers.
Smith was due to return at Narrogin tomorrow but sought permission from stewards to get off those rides and partner Black Heart Bart in the Crawford.
"I rode nine trials at Bunbury on Tuesday and had bookings at Narrogin when Vaughn rang me," Smith said. "The owners were good to let me off my rides.
"It is not too often you get a ride on a horse of this quality."
