Trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith is confident that Famous Seamus will prove tough to beat once more, when he steps out for the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1300m) at Ladbrokes Park (Sandown) on Saturday.
Famous Seamus carries winning form into Saturday’s Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
A Group 1 winner having taken out the 2014 edition of the BTC Cup (1200m) in Brisbane, Famous Seamus has produced a number of typically-smart performances this season and will carry winning form into the Kevin Heffernan Stakes, having beaten his rivals to the line by two lengths in the Listed Ladies Day Cup (1400m) at Hawkesbury on November 3rd.
Mayfield-Smith has been thrilled with the condition of the Elusive City gelding through recent weeks and believes he is primed to successfully defend his crown in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes on Saturday.
“The only thing that has changed with this horse is that each year he’s got a year older,” Mayfield-Smith told AAP.
“His attitude is the same. His work is the same. His times are the same. Everything is the same.
“He looks the same as when he went into his last race and nothing has worried him since.”
Failing to make much of an impact through four autumn and winter starts earlier this year, Famous Seamus resumed this time for eighth in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) at Randwick on August 6th.
Running a commendable third in the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1350m) at Newcastle on September 16th, Famous Seamus failed to produce much in either of the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m), but returned to blistering form at his last start.
Mayfield-Smith has booked leading hoop Hugh Bowman for the ride on his stable star for the first time in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes, and believes the jockey will get the best from the horse.
“I’ve been chasing Hugh to ride for me for years and now I’ve got him,” he said.
Famous Seamus has posted a commendable twelve race wins and ten minors through fifty-three career starts, since making his competitive debut in late 2011.
The 2016 Kevin Heffernan Stakes field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
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