Robert Smerdon has scratched Politeness from feature races in Sydney and Adelaide but remains convinced he has a live Group One chance in Shamal Wind.
Politeness was a dual acceptor for the All Aged Stakes in Sydney and the Robert Sangster Stakes in Adelaide on Saturday but was withdrawn from both Group Ones on Thursday after mucus was found in her throat.
Smerdon will still be represented by Shamal Wind at Morphettville while in the Australasian Oaks he has Every Faith and Rezoned, who are both at double-figure odds.
Politeness, Craig Williams
A Group Two sprint for three-year-olds on Saturday week in Adelaide is still a possibility for Politeness if she bounces back well, otherwise Smerdon said she would be spelled.
Shamal Wind, a last start Flemington winner, is on the second line of betting for the Robert Sangster behind last year’s winner Platelet.
Smerdon said Shamal Wind’s final serious gallop last Saturday was as good as she has worked and expects her to get a good run from barrier four.
The trainer has great respect for the David Hayes-trained Gregers who has finished fourth in the William Reid Stakes and Oakleigh Plate at Group One level this campaign.
“She’s probably the dominant three-year-old sprinting filly,” Smerdon said.
Rezoned is at $17 while Every Faith is a $21 chance in Oaks betting and Smerdon believes they would need to step up to challenge the favourites Girl In Flight and May’s Dream, especially from awkward barrier draws.
