Morphettville trainer Jon O’Connor is hoping smart mare Smokin’ Val can boost her rating when she returns under lights to Moonee Valley on Friday night.
O’Connor has some mares features at Caulfield on his radar, but believes Smokin’ Val needs to climb up the ratings to guarantee a start as the Melbourne Spring Carnival intensifies.
“Ideally I would have waited for one of those races, but with her low rating she could find herself way down the order of entry,’’ O’Connor said.
“She’s run some slashing races in very good company, but a win would be good for her confidence,’’ he said.
Smokin’ Val was beaten just two and half lengths in seventh spot behind Bella Nipotina at Caulfield last start in the Group 3 How Now Stakes, a race that didn’t really go to plan.
“It was an acceptable run,’’ O’Connor said.
“They didn’t go quick, she over raced which is most unlike her and the track playing a bit funny that day.
"Where we ended up wasn’t the best,’’ he said.
Locally, O’Connor has Our Deep Agenda resuming against stablemate Akkacan (who ran his 20th second placing last weekend), while speedy filly Spiritual Girl resumes early in the day.
“Our Deep Agenda wasn’t suited through the winter and has some form around He’s A Balter which is a good reference,’’ O’Connor said.
“Akkacan will probably run second! Nah, he’s very honest and if he can win another race before he retires, I’ll be the happiest man at Morphettville,’’ he said.
