Caulfield trainer Robert Smerdon is eyeing the magic mark of 100 Victorian winners this week, just days after snaring the Grand National Hurdle with Brungle Cry.
Smerdon has trained 99 winners for the season on Victorian tracks and can add to his total at Geelong on Tuesday.
But if he misses there he has has four strong chances of reaching his century at Sandown on Wednesday.
It would be a satisfying milestone for Smerdon who fell tantalisingly short in 2003-2004 when he amassed 99-1/2 winners and closed again on the mark in 2007-2008, preparing 99.
With successes interstate, including the Randwick Guineas and Vinery Stud Stakes in Sydney with star filly Mosheen, Smerdon has already passed 100 winners Australia-wide for the season.
His prospects at Sandown begin with Stoneblack in The Cove Hotel Handicap (1800m).
The five-year-old finished fourth behind Bianmick at Caulfield last Saturday and will carry 55kg over the 1800 metres after Thomas Sadler’s 3kg claim.
Star jumping mare Kirribilli Gold will offer Smerdon another chance in the Schweppes Handicap (3000m) while Destiny’s Kiss, who also benefits from Sadler’s claim, will run in the Sportingbet Handicap (1400m).
Laugh At Life has filled minor placings at eight of his past nine starts and gives Smerdon his fourth runner in the eight-race card when he lines up in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1000m).
Smerdon is aiming to become the fourth trainer to prepare 100 winners in Victoria this season behind Peter Moody (180), Darren Weir (158) and Mick Price (127).
And while he is hoping to pencil in his name on the list, jockey Chris Symons will be eyeing 100 winners nationally for the fourth time.
Symons has five rides at Sandown starting with Lil Red Corvette in the meeting opener, the Event Landscaping Solutions Handicap (1000m).
