Two state options for Under The Louvre

After creating debate last week over Under The Louvre’s eventual scratching from a Group One race, trainer Robert Smerdon again has a decision to make with the classy sprinter.

And, with his tongue firmly planted in cheek, Smerdon suggested he might have to use social media to see when his final decision should be made.

Under The Louvre is entered for Saturday’s Premiere Stakes in Sydney and also the Gilgai Stakes in Melbourne on Sunday.

Smerdon intends to accept in both races and weigh up the options.

“You don’t know how they are going to stand up. Entries are one thing, barriers and final fields are another,” Smerdon said.

“And we might have to put out a Twitter poll and find out when we need to scratch. Keep the punters happy.”

Last thursday, Smerdon made it known to media he was planning to scratch Under The Louvre from Saturday’s Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes because he of his wide barrier and big weight.

But as he was entitled to under the rules, Smerdon kept his options open in case the make-up of the race changed and delayed the final decision until scratching time on race morning, prompting a social media backlash and a phone call from stewards.

The Premiere Stakes at Randwick is a weight-for-age sprint while the Gilgai down the Flemington straight is set weights and penalties with Under The Louvre on 57kg.