Andrew Gluyas will chase a third consecutive win in the Listed Hill Smith Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville on Saturday when he saddles up a three-pronged attack in the three-year-old feature.
Gluyas won the race with subsequent VRC Derby hero Goldrush Guru in 2024 and Air Assault in 2023, while he also enjoyed victory with Pretty Punk (2016), Beluga Blue (2015) and Perfect Punch (2011) when training in partnership with Leon Macdonald.
On Saturday, the Morphettville trainer saddles up Goldrush Guru’s younger half-brother Golden Guru, as well as fillies Sassy Sophie and Freedom Flame.
“We’ve had a bit of luck in the race over time and we’ve been fortunate to have a couple of good horses win it in recent years,” Gluyas said.
“It’s always a good turning point of our spring for horses that are bred to get over a bit of ground.”
Gluyas said Golden Guru, who remains a maiden after four starts, is the stable’s best chance of another win in the race.
The son of Toronado hit the line well over 1600m last start after getting shuffled back to last in a slowly-run contest.
“He was a little unlucky last start when he got to the mile for the first time,” Gluyas said.
“He was strong to the line the other day and we’re hoping he can have a clear run on Saturday.
“The other two fillies (Sassy Sophie and Freedom Flame) did get their chance in the race (last start) so you would think that Golden Guru is the horse that might stand up at the moment.”