Experienced sprinter Way To The Stars is making a return to New South Wales after over 12 months away, heading to Hawkesbury where trainer Matt Smith anticipates a strong showing.

The gelding, a winner in two Listed races, has faced legitimate setbacks in his last couple of outings, including a wide barrier in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and then an unideal heavy track at Flemington on his most recent run.

Conditions will suit him perfectly with a firm track for the Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m), and Smith notes that gate three offers a prime position among the 14 starters.

“We had no hope in the Oakleigh Plate from the outside gate. We probably should have scratched,” Smith said.

“And then we ran on a track that was wet in Melbourne, and he didn’t like that at all.

“I think he is back to his best. He’s a horse that needs to get his first 400 right, and if he can get that right, he can be competitive.”

The five-week gap since his last start has been bridged by a sharp trial to maintain his sharpness ahead of Saturday’s feature.

With Nash Rawiller in the saddle, Smith views Way To The Stars as a solid contender in this competitive event.

“He’s been up at the farm for a few weeks and has done a bit of work on the sand. He had that trial and he’s good to go. He’s fresh, fit, well,” he said.

“It’s a good race. There are plenty of chances in it, and he’s one of them.”

Stable companion World Alliance is waiting on further withdrawals to gain entry into the Gold Rush lineup, and should he make it, he could certainly impact proceedings.

This six-year-old boasts three victories from four fresh appearances, handles the track and trip well, and has gate four right beside Way To The Stars.

“If he gets the right set-up, he is always dangerous,” Smith said.

“He needs tempo, which he’ll get here.

“He’s fit, and he’s well and I can’t fault him. His work was sharp on Tuesday morning so he’s ready to go.”

Matt Smith also looks forward to progressive gelding Golden Straand building on his momentum in the Blake’s Marine Handicap (1100m), following his recent return success at Warwick Farm that lifted his record to four triumphs from nine attempts.

“He’s a really good horse. He could be in that stakes race, but he’s going through his grades,” Smith said.

“He’ll be very hard to beat in that race.

“He could end up in Queensland, for sure. The only thing with him is he needs good ground. His only blemish was on a wet track at Randwick, and he didn’t go on that at all.”

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