Fresh from his first Saturday double at Ascot, trainer Brandon Fiore has his sights set on more success with Filthy Habits and I Love Your Smile.
Filthy Habits gave Fiore his first Saturday winner in the Westspeed Platinum Handicap (1200m), before I Love Your Smile doubled the trainer’s Saturday victory tally in the Lexus Of Perth Handicap (2200m).
Fiore, who described it as a “great day”, said he was pleasantly surprised when Filthy Habits saluted.
“We thought he might be a bit underdone for it,” Fiore told TABradio.
“We didn’t change too much through the week because we thought we were heading to the 1400.
“He’s a pretty tough little horse and it was a good surprise.”
The gelding, who took his record to three wins from 14 starts, is set to start over a mile at Ascot on Saturday week, before Fiore flagged a possible step up in distance.
Fiore’s decision to run I Love Your Smile for the second time in five days was vindicated in the staying event on the card.
I Love Your Smile finished fourth behind San Fabrizio on Perth Cup Day, before she fended off a strong challenge from Captain Pluto to score her fourth career victory on Saturday.
Fiore said he had been considering the back up prior to her previous start.
“The program made that decision easy for us,” he said.
“She came through it really well and everything was perfect for her.
“We led her off the bike for a week and didn’t do a lot of work at all.
“There’s another 2200m in two weeks as well.
“We just want to get a lot of racing under her belt because we are still learning about her.”
Fiore hinted at a possible Kalgoorlie Cup tilt for I Love Your Smile next preparation.
Fiore, who had his first runner at Northam last September, said he was enjoying the initial stages of his training career.
“I love it,” he said.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
“I’m fully hooked on it now.
“Every day you go outside and there’s a new puzzle.
“You have to think on your feet and there’s always something different every day.
“It’s really rewarding making them (horses) feel good and getting them going fast.”
