Brave Smash unlikely for Premiere Stakes

Brave Smash is unlikely to race again in Sydney before the $13 million The Everest with connections now favouring a lead-up run in Melbourne.

The Darren Weir-trained sprinter was expected to make the road trip from his Victorian base to contest the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday week, ahead of The Everest two weeks later.

However, managing owner Jamie Lovett from Australian Bloodstock says the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 28 is looming as a more likely option.

“The way Darren (Weir) is talking, he’d probably rather not bring him back to Sydney again,” Lovett said.

“He may chase Nature Strip around the Valley, we’ll definitely have a look at some alternate options.

“Nothing’s in concrete but talking to Darren, that’s the way he’s leaning.”

Brave Smash, who finished third to Redzel and Vega Magic in the inaugural running of The Everest last spring, has placed behind Ball Of Muscle in two runs over 1100m this campaign.