Warrnambool trainer Lindsey SmithĀ says he hasĀ theĀ bases covered when In The BoatĀ and Sacred PalaceĀ line up at The Valley.
The pair contest the Dominant Sanitation Solutions Handicap (1200m) on Saturday with bothĀ leading chances according to early betting on the race.
Aiming for a fourth straight win, InĀ TheĀ Boat is the $2.80 market leader with TAB while Sacred Palace, after a first-up second at Terang on January 2,Ā sits on the third line of betting at $8.50.
Smith said depending on how the track was racing would determine the chances ofĀ the pair.
If the trackĀ isĀ favouring those racing on speed, then InĀ TheĀ Boat was theĀ moreĀ fancied runnerĀ andĀ if “swoopers” were winning then Sacred Palace’s chances were enhanced.
Smith said InĀ TheĀ Boat had not gone backwards since he latest win at Caulfield on January 8.
“He’s easy to train,” Smith told RSN.
“A hot day, that generally leads to being on speedĀ and if something wants to take him on, that’sĀ fine, so long as they rollĀ along,Ā but you’re at your own peril if you take him on.”
Smith said he has a lot of time for Sacred Palace and would prefer aĀ someĀ give in the ground.
He said the track was too firm for Sacred Palace at Terang when resuming and is expecting a betterĀ performanceĀ on Saturday.
“Going to the gates I was a bit worried because he comes from New Zealand,” Smith said.
“He likes a little bit ofĀ cut in the ground and he didn’t want to go the first 100 metres of the race and gotĀ tooĀ far out of his ground.
“If they’re coming from the backĀ (on Saturday), that gives him a chance, soĀ I’ve gotĀ theĀ raceĀ wellĀ covered, if they lead or are swooping.
“Both are niceĀ horses,Ā and it depends on the pattern which has the best chance.”
