Andrew Gluyas can build on an impressive record in the $120,000 Listed Hill Smith Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.
Gluyas and Jason Holder combined to win last year’s feature with Air Assault, while he and father-in-law (former co-trainer Leon Macdonald) claimed their first in partnership in 2011 with Perfect Punch before consecutive wins in the race in 2015 (Beluga Blue) and 2016 (Pretty Pink).
The stable has Goldrush Guru trying to put his name on the honour roll, a horse who can also put his hand up for an interstate trip if he can regain winning form in the feature.
Holder will be aboard Goldrush Guru under race conditions for the first time this campaign, the colt winning his first two starts before finishing second at his past couple and Gluyas said the Hill Smith presented at a perfect time.
“He’s had a really good grounding for this race,’’ Gluyas said.
“He’s coming out of races without a lot of tempo which hasn’t really suited, but I think it’s a really good opportunity for the horse,’’ he said.
Gluyas said Saturday would really determine just where the horse goes next with a race like the Victoria Derby in the back of their minds.
“Will he stay? We’re not really sure,’’ Gluyas said.
“The Hill Smith is a very different profile this year given it’s only three weeks into the Derby.
“Connections are keen to go to the Derby, a lot will depend on just what happens on Saturday,’’ he said.
Gluyas said Goldrush Guru had a much better grounding then last year’s winner Air Assault who jumped from 1200m to win the 1800m feature before going to Melbourne and running third in the Group 3 Vase.
“Air Assault was very raw at the same stage, Goldrush Guru has a really good foundation of work for this,’’ Gluyas said.
“Air Assault jumped sharply in trip but was still good enough to win where as this guy has a good grounding and the work under his belt,’’ he said.
Last year’s Hill Smith winner Air Assault heads to Melbourne on Saturday with star Hong Kong based jockey Karis Teetan booked to ride, a booking that came about from the next generation at the Gluyas stable.
“Alan (Lai) thought Karis would be a good option for the horse and as did my son Connor so that’s how it came about,’’ Gluyas added.
“We’re excited for Alan having his first city ride in Adelaide on the weekend as well so hopefully it’s a successful weekend for the stable,’’ he said.
