Trainer Chris Munce relied on his memory to help Smart Meteor score an upset win in the $125,000 Eagle Way Series heat (2000m) at Doomben.
In a sprint home, Smart Meteor ($12) finished too well to beat Don’t Waiver ($4) by 1-1/2 lengths with 2-3/4 lengths to Tears of Love ($12) in third place.
Smart Meteor is by former top sprinter Smart Missile but Munce has always been confident the gelding would make a stayer.
However, Munce remembered the family of Smart Meteor’s dam Tempting Lady as being from good staying lines.
“Gai (Waterhouse) had a lot of the family when I was with her in Sydney, They could all stay and this bloke is the same,” Munce said.
“I think we will head to the (Group Three) Grand Prix Stakes at Eagle Farm in a fortnight. It is a bit further at 2200m but I don’t think Smart Meteor will have any trouble against his own age group.”
“Smart Meteor is a pretty smart horse and I expect him to go a long way.
Trainer Stuart Kendrick said Don’t Waiver would also head to the Grand Prix Stakes.
“He was up 5kg in weight today and I think Eagle Farm will suit him a lot better than Doomben,” he said.