Bart’s jockey gets feel for Morphettville
Glenn Smith will walk the Morphettville track this morning in a bid to help deliver WA a Group 1 hat-trick in today’s $500,000 Goodwood (1200m).
Smith enjoyed feature success in his home State of Tasmania and also rode in Victoria before shifting to WA in 2000.
But he has never ridden in Adelaide.
Boom filly Delicacy enhanced the standing of WA racing earlier this month with successive Group 1 wins in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) and South Australian Derby (2500m).
Black Heart Bart has been backed into $4 favouritism with the TAB and met with strong interstate support after drawing barrier seven on Tuesday.
Smith, 38, has ridden the son of Blackfriars six times for five wins and a second.
He forfeited rides in WA to be with trainer Vaughn Sigley and Black Heart Bart since the gelding was floated to Adelaide more than a week ago.
“I have been here nearly two weeks and the horse has settled in really well, which is the main thing,” Smith said.
“I handed up a few rides in WA, but I am happy to follow the horse. Vaughn is very happy with him and he knows him like the back of his hand.
“His gallops have been really nice and everything is pointing in the right direction.
“One of the days there I was just trotting and cantering and I was struggling to hold him.
“My brother was apprenticed to David Hayes and rode here, but I never have.
“I went to Morphettville for the first time and saw Delicacy win.
“I will get to the track early tomorrow and walk the track.
“I will watch the early races as well to suss things out.
“Drawing seven is ideal because it gives him a bit of space. The track was a bit soft last Saturday and they ran off the rail a bit.
“If they do that again it will play into our hands.”
