Brave Smash likely to start at Caulfield

Darren Weir will resist the temptation to apply blinkers to Brave Smash’s race-day gear until the sprinter’s grand final in The Everest.

Brave Smash is likely to run in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday as his final outing before the $10 million race at Randwick on October 14.

Weir said his thoughts were to save the blinkers for The Everest in an effort to have the sprinter ridden closer to the speed without having to be used early.

A slow start meant Brave Smash got back in the field before unleashing a powerful finish when second to Vega Magic first-up at Caulfield last month before scoring at Moonee Valley on September 16.

“I’d be a little keener to ride him a little quieter midfield on Saturday if we run and be strong through the line,” Weir told RSN927.

“He’s got the habit of not stepping away great and missing the start half-a-length.

“First-up he got himself in a tricky position and then at Moonee Valley Damian (Lane) rode him like the best horse.

“Heading towards The Everest you’d have to improve those barrier habits a little to be a chance of running in the money.”

The Australian Turf Club announced on Sunday it had chosen the former Japanese horse as its representative in The Everest from a shortlist of five.

Redzel who was also on the shortlist, was snapped up by James Harron Bloodstock before he won Saturday’s Shorts at Randwick.

Weir said he would accept with Brave Smash in Saturday’s Caulfield race before making a final decision whether the five-year-old Japanese-bred horse runs closer to the day.

“I’m keen to run,” Weir said.

“He’s a bull (entire) and a bit big and that gives us three weeks to The Everest.

“I think fourth-up into The Everest would be terrific.”