New Zealand horseman David Haworth will give his veteran galloper Smoking Chimneys the chance to bounce back after their flop in last weekend’s Tatt’s Cup, the rising eight-year-old set to line up in this Saturday’s Caloundra Cup on the Sunshine Coast.
Lightly raced for their age due to a number of injury setbacks, Generous gelding Smoking Chimneys is prepared by Haworth in Foxton, New Zealand, and to date has had just 31 career starts for six wins and seven minor placings.
Haworth bought the stayer over to Australia for the first time this season targeting Group glory during the Queensland Winter Racing Carnival.
In their debut run down under, Smoking Chimneys failed to impress despite being ridden by gun Kiwi hoop James McDonald.
After winning the Foxton Cup (2200m) back home at the start of the month on a heavy track, Smoking Chimneys raced in the Group 3 Tatt’s Cup (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 25 but was well beaten finishing 13 lengths away 10th to winner Ironstein.
Haworth isn’t giving up hope, however, and is confident Smoking Chimneys can return to form and give horses including last-start Ipswich Cup winner Gold In Dubai a run for their money in the $200,000 Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) on Saturday.
Currently rated a $17 outsider in Caloundra Cup markets, Smoking Chimneys has drawn midfield in barrier eight of 14 and will be ridden by Matthew Palmer for the first time.
A known performer on slow to heavy ground, the Good track conditions for the Tatt’s Cup hampered Smoking Chimneys’ chances but the heavens are favouring him for this weekend.
The Caloundra track is currently rated a Slow (6) and with more rain expected to fall in the next 24 hours, known mud-lark Smoking Chimneys is sure to gain popularity with the punters before the Caloundra Cup jumps.
Ensuring Smoking Chimneys pulls through the Caloundra Cup run without issue, Haworth will progress onto next Saturday’s $150,000 Listed Queensland Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm.
“His main mission here is the Queensland Cup,” Haworth confirmed.
Smoking Chimneys is sure to be more suited to the testing two mile Queensland Cup showdown, the horse having run a close third to My Scotsgrey in the 2009 New Zealand Cup over the 3200m.
