Trainer Matthew Smith is confident in the preparation of sprinter Headwall, who is a top contender for the $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot this Saturday.
The five-year-old has placed in both the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap and Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes this preparation. Smith is pleased with his progress and says Headwall has settled well.
“He had a bit of a breeze up this morning on the grass and looked great,” Smith told TABradio.
“His condition’s good. He hasn’t lost any weight, which is important. He just seemed nice and bright. He was sharp and he was looking to do something, so that’s always good too.”
“He looks as good as he did in Sydney. I’m really happy.”
Headwall will start from barrier eight of 13 for his first attempt at Ascot, just his second time racing anti-clockwise. He was fourth in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate earlier this campaign.
Smith is hopeful that Headwall’s strong turn of foot will help him in the 1200m race.
“If he can reproduce his TJ run, he’s going to be fighting the finish,” Smith said.
Headwall is priced at $6.00, with Overpass the $2.40 favourite.