Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett is confident that Brave Smash will confirmed a position in The Everest field when he steps out for his second campaign appearance in Saturday’s Listed Chandler Macleod Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.

Brave Smash ran a close second behind Vega Magic in the Regal Roller Stakes first-up this season. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Brave Smash ran a close second behind Vega Magic in the Regal Roller Stakes first-up this season. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Formerly saddled in Japan, Brave Smash was purchased and syndicated by Australian Bloodstock and sent to the care of leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir, who saddled the horse to a close second behind subsequent Group 1 winner Vega Magic in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) first-up on August 19th.

Lovett said that Brave Smash’s team is yet to make a decision on the path taken with the import through the Spring Carnival, but that his run in the Chandler Macleod Stakes will confirm his next major target.

“We have had quite a bit of interest and if he runs well and win on Saturday, I feel quite confident that it will nearly get us over the line,” Lovett told Racing Victoria.

“At this stage we are positioning ourselves that if we get a slot that is the race that we’d like to run in. But obviously everyone is playing ducks and drakes with their slots so we’ve just got to make sure that the horse runs well.

“We’d want to be locking in a slot next week because if we’re not going on an Everest path, we don’t want to muck up the whole spring.

“We need to make a decision, so it will be the fork in the road. So, if someone wants him, we’ll negotiate a slot.”

Lovett said that Brave Smash is yet to reach peak condition, but is confident that the horse’s ability will go a long way in Saturday’s Chandler Macleod Stakes field.

“The reason we didn’t run in the Memsie was that Weiry didn’t want a gut-buster over seven furlongs for the horse. He said he wanted to keep the speed in his legs and that he hadn’t screwed him right down for it,” he said.

“He’s nowhere near wound right up and Darren did make that comment. It’s only his second run and Darren’s horses usually profile better third, fourth and fifth run in.

“But just ability-wise, we’d be very disappointed if he didn’t run well and if he’s not winning then he may not be worthy of a slot so we’re laying out cards on the table.”

Brave Smash has posted two wins and a further six minors throughout his fourteen career starts to date.

The 2017 Chandler Macleod Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.