Trainer Matthew Smith certainly hopes so with his eight-year-old chasing victory in the $400,000 Group 3 race at the third attempt.
It’s been a case of so close yet so far for Grey Lion in the 2400m race, finishing second behind Qewy in 2016 and fourth behind Vengeur Masque in 2017 when trained by Matt Cumani.
Warwick Farm-based Smith admitted Grey Lion, who is a $23 chance for the Geelong Cup, would have to be at his best to win Wednesday’s race, but said he couldn’t be happier with his galloper.
“He is working well, he has trained on well since his last run, he looks good, fit and well,” Smith said. “I can’t fault him. But he’s going to have to be at his best to win it, it’s a pretty good race, I think.
“It looks a strong-ish field, probably a bit stronger than previous years.”
In Grey Lion’s corner is champion hoop Craig Williams, who has won five Geelong cups. His last victory came in 2014 onboard Caravan Rolls On for Danny O’Brien.
Smith took over training Grey Lion from Cumani at the start of the year and the stayer has shown solid form since moving from Victoria to New South Wales. He claimed the Group 3 JRA Plate at Randwick in April and backed that up with a win at Listed level over 2000m in May.
Grey Lion heads into Wednesday’s race on the back of an 8.8 length 10th in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m), but Smith said there were excuses for that performance.
“He just didn’t appreciate the (soft) going last start,” Smith said.
“I think on a good track he can bounce back, actually.”
Other OTI runners today include:
Geelong (VIC):
ETNA – BM70 Handicap 2400m
After scratching from Caulfield last start due to the firm track, Etna is looking for the sting out of the ground and will relish the rise in distance.
HARBOUR VIEWS – BM78 Country Series Heat 1500m
Harbour Views heads into this Country Series Heat looking to continue his undefeated five-start winning streak and gain a place in the Series Final on Oaks Day.
HAKY – G3 Geelong Cup 2400m
Having his second start in Australia, he leads into this race with further fitness. A stronger pace to be set by the horse in the race should see him figuring in the finish.
TRUE SELF – G3 Geelong Cup 2400m
Unable to take part in the Caulfield Cup, she is primed to run well for her first start in Australia. John Allen in the saddle, they jump from barrier 1 at 56.5kg.
Warwick Farm (NSW):
FAIRLIGHT – BM74 Handicap 2400m
A solid gallop reverse way last weekend, sees him primed for the drop in class and rise in distance. An out and out stayer, he will appreciate a strong tempo.
DARK PEARL – BM70 Handicap 1400m
After a short let up and a recent trial at Rosehill, Waller will be using the run to blow out the cobwebs and kick start his preparation.
