Under The Louvre Primed for The Goodwood

Robert Smerdon concedes the field confirmed for this year’s edition of the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) is a particularly strong one, but is pleased with the condition of Under The Louvre ahead of the feature race at Morphettville.

Under The Louvre will contest The Goodwood second-up. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Under The Louvre will contest The Goodwood second-up. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia

Under The Louvre returned to racing with a strong performance for third in the talent-rich Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on April 18th, but received something of a lead-up blow when his Cranbourne trial was cancelled last week due to inclement weather.

Smerdon has been pleased with the work produced by the classy sprinter in recent weeks and is confident the Excellent Art entire is primed for a big performance in The Goodwood 2016.

“The trials were washed out before Under The Louvre’s trial, but he had the opportunity to work on the course proper with a mate and had a solid gallop,” Smerdon told The Herald Sun.

“I reckon his work was really good and I think his fitness is where we need it.

“Even though his is four weeks between runs and missed that trial, I am not concerned and believe he is right where we need him. So it’s all systems go.”

Under The Louvre has been charged with carrying only 55.5kg in The Goodwood, and should relish the conditions of the race as a result.

“It went from a handicap to a set weight and penalty race and we were looking at it some years later, saying they haven’t changed it back and a lot of horses are poorly treated,” Smerdon said.

“But then of course they got Black Caviar, who was enticed by the weight scale.”

Resuming in 2015 for a close second in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m), Under The Louvre progressed to success in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) and second in the Listed Anniversary Vase (1400m) before ending his campaign third in The Goodwood.

Resuming in spring for fifth in the Group 3 TheShark.com.au Stakes (1100m), Under The Louvre improved for second in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) before running third in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) and second in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) most notably.

Drawn in barrier 11, Under The Louvre has been confirmed to be partnered by Dwayne Dunn in The Goodwood 2016.

Ladbrokes Australia currently rate Under The Louvre a $7.50 chance in 2016 The Goodwood betting markets.

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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.