A clash with Golden Rose winner Manawanui at Rosehill on Saturday will determine whether Queenslander State Of Wealth travels even further south for next month’s Group One Caulfield Guineas.
Trainer Brian Smith is using the Group Two Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) to determine whether State Of Wealth can be a genuine Guineas contender.
“If he can get within two lengths of Manawanui then we know we’ve got a very good horse but if he happens to beat him then he’d definitely be a top Caulfield Guineas chance,” Smith said.
“The problem is he’s still very immature and we don’t really know where we are at with him.
“Personally I think he’d be better off in the paddock getting ready for the Magic Millions Guineas next year but he’s doing everything right so far and he’s paid up for the Caulfield Guineas so we’re giving him every chance to get there.”
State Of Wealth was sent to Sydney last Tuesday and goes into the Stan Fox Stakes off an impressive victory at Doomben on September 10.
Smith had the option of heading straight to Melbourne with the son of Al Valorem to run in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude on Saturday.
“It’s a long way to go for the Guineas Prelude when we can get a good guide whether he’s up to the Caulfield Guineas by going half way to Sydney,” Smith said.
Smith has yet to engage a rider for State Of Wealth but will give his former star apprentice Ric McMahon first refusal.
State Of Wealth made a big impression winning his maiden at Eagle Farm by four lengths last month following his unlucky second on debut at Caloundra.
Meanwhile Smith will decide later this week whether stablemates Raeburn and Hume will start in the Group One Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on October 1.
Both stayers delighted Smith with their performances in the Group Three Newcastle Cup (2300m) last Thursday.
Raeburn finished fourth and was beaten only 1-1/2 lengths while Hume was seventh a further length away.
“Hume’s run was very good. He was carted off the track on the home turn which cost him finishing a lot closer,” Smith said.
“Hume will either run in the Metropolitan or another race in Sydney but he won’t be going on to Melbourne.
“I’d like some rain for Raeburn in the Metropolitan. He’d be a real chance if the track was wet.”
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