Trainer Robert Smerdon is hopeful that the application of blinkers will give Politeness the edge she needs to win the 2015 Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville tomorrow.
Politeness has the chance to record a maiden win at Group 1 level in the 2015 Robert Sangster Stakes. Photo by: Adrienne Bicknell
Smerdon expected Politeness to be racing over a mile at this point of her preparation, but he was forced to change his plans with the talented mare after she was plagued by a foot issue following her third place finish in the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on February 14 and she instead returned to racing with a fast-finishing victory in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on April 18.
Politeness has never previously raced with blinkers on, but Smerdon told Racing Ahead this morning that he believes the blinkers can help keep the Street Sense mare sharp for the 2015 Robert Sangster Stakes.
“Prior to her last start I said to Dwayne Dunn to be mindful of the prospect of using blinkers on her, but he said she never touched the bit and it wouldn’t make her over race because I didn’t want to change her racing pattern,” Smerdon said.
“We will put the blinkers on tomorrow and she was very good in her work on Tuesday, so they go on tomorrow and I am hopeful that they might have that one percent of help for her.
“I just think she needs them to keep sharp at the short trip and I wouldn’t put them on her if we were going out to 1400 or 1600, but staying at the 1200 I think they are appropriate.”
Politeness will jump from towards the outside of the 2015 Robert Sangster Stakes field, but Smerdon is confident that the wide draw will not be a major issue for the four-year-old.
The talented mare has generally been ridden as a run-on horse during her racing career to date and Smerdon expects jockey Dwayne Dunn to replicate the tactics he used when he steered Politeness to victory in the Bel Esprit Stakes.
“You can get clear when you want to get clear and that is the issue,” Smerdon said.
“I would still prefer to draw in a bit closer, but at least it gives you the opportunity to be in a spot to find clear galloping room, which a run-on horse like her needs.
“We have the right jockey for Morphettville with Dwayne Dunn.”
Politeness is currently available at 2015 Robert Sangster Stakes odds of $8.50 with Ladbrokes and she is on the fourth line of betting behind Miracles Of Life ($4.60), Vain Queen ($5) and Avoid Lightning ($7).
