Expected Sandown wet no worry for Smerdon

The anticipated big wet at Sandown is not expected to cause too many disruptions for trainer Robert Smerdon.

The Caulfield stable has four runners engaged at Saturday’s meeting with only Bellegano unlikely to take her place.

Bellegano is listed to run in the 1300m Chandler Macleod Handicap.

“I just question the wisdom running first-up on a heavy track,” Smerdon said.

“It could take her to the bottom too soon.”

Smerdon said he expects Atone and Roar to run in the Spicer Thoroughbreds Handicap (1600m) while a wet track brings Eureka Street in with claims in the Schweppes Handicap.

Atone and Roar, both part-owned by Champion Thoroughbreds, are coming off last-start victories.

Atone scored on debut at Mornington and has since had a trial at Cranbourne while Roar was successful at Cranbourne.

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“I think he’ll handle the wet, he’s trialled all right in it at Cranbourne,” Smerdon said of Atone.

“We took him away for that trial for a little bit of excitement on a grass surface as it just stimulates them a bit more than galloping at home.

“Roar is by Animal Kingdon, a Kentucky Derby winner and a great dirt horse.

“Dirt horses seem to have really good wet track ability and I’m thinking he might be all right in the soft.”

Eureka Street runs over 1300m and is having his first start since finishing second on a heavy track at Mornington in September.

That followed victories at Flemington and Cranbourne in August.

“He went to the water walker for a couple of weeks for a freshen after his last run as he was at his bottom,” Smerdon said.

“He’s come back and galloped good.

“He’s fresh and I thought Saturday would be a stepping stone for something further, however with it wet, he might come into it.”