Lindsey Smith is hopeful, rather than confident, that Tuvalu can turn the tables on I’m Thunderstruck at The Valley.
The pair met at Flemington on July 17 over 1400m with Tuvalu finishing four lengths astern of I’m Thunderstruck.
Smith is hoping with that run under the belt and a 3kg pull in the weights, Tuvalu can upset I’m Thunderstruck in the Dominant Cleaning Solutions Handicap (1514m) on Saturday.
“We’re hopeful, but the other horse did beat us fair-and-square the other day,” Smith told RSN.
“We have to improve and hopefully the Moonee Valley track may not suit that horse.
“He (Tuvalu) was quite forward when he went to the races the other day, but we have improved a little bit with the run.”
Smith has been patient with Tuvalu who won his first two start, including his debut at Warrnambool by seven lengths, before tipping him out for a break.
And the Warrnambool-based horseman does not plan on being too adventurous with the son of Kermadec either this campaign.
“We’ve always thought that one day he would end up in open company and high up the ladder, but how far, we don’t know yet,” Smith said.
“He’s still six months away from being at his best.
“We thought we might give him this one and maybe one more before the spring comes, but I don’t think he’ll push on too far.”
With Declan Bates out suspended, Brett Prebble, who has been striking up a successful strike-rate with the Smith stable, takes over in the saddle.
“He is a world class rider and it’s good that he realises he’s world class again,” Smith said.
“Confidence is a big thing for all of us.”
