Lindsey Smith’s classy six-year-old Too Close The Sun has been a key firmer with Tabtouch for the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m) at Belmont Park on Saturday.
Runner-up in last years Railway Stakes and racing second-up this preparation, the Carlton House gelding opened at $4 and in current markets he is now into $3.30.
He shares favouritism with the Chris and Michael Gangemi-trained Samizdat, a brilliant winner on his return in the Belmont Newmarket (1200m) two weeks ago.
Smith says he took a lot of confidence out of Too Close The Sun’s first-up run in three weeks back when third to That’s Funny Azz in the Ngawyni Stakes (1400m).
First-up with no trial and carrying 62kg on a soft track, Too Close The Sun loomed up in the straight, but just peaked on his run.
“I thought it was a good run, he loomed up like he was going to win,” Smith told The Races WA.
“On the bend he looked good and it was enough to think I can’t keep hold of him much longer.
“I’ve kept him fresh to poke around for these type of races.
“I thought it was good ride from Brad (Rawiller), he nursed him to the line with the big weight.”
Smith says he’s confident he has Too Close The Sun back on track after he failed to flatter in Melbourne when well beaten in three runs earlier in the year.
Smith had him back east full of confidence after he enjoyed a top Ascot carnival last year.
Too Close The Sun won the Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) and ran second in the Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and Railway Stakes (1600m).
He lost no admirers when he ended his summer campaign finishing fourth to Truly Great in the Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
“I had him so far away from his best last preparation,” Smith said.
“I think it came down to having a hard campaign in Perth.
“The break between Perth and Melbourne was too short, I didn’t give him long enough out.
“That’s why I wanted to give him these couple of runs in the winter.
“Just to get ahead of the pack and iron out any problems before Ascot later this year when he goes to the bigger races again.”
Too Close The Sun will be ridden by William Pike and has drawn barrier six.
Smith and Pike combined to win the Idyllic Prince Stakes with Great Again two years ago.
Smith said Too Close The Sun was a top chance to give him another victory in the race.
“His work on Tuesday was good,” Smith said.
“He had a strong gallop and his heart rate was good.”
Smith will also saddle Silentz in the Idyllic Prince Stakes and hopes for a top finish to warrant a shot at the Hannan’s in Kalgoorlie.
