Sassy, Smart and Super

The Informant writes:

Unbeaten filly Sassy 'N' Smart is all set for the Gr. 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes after passing her barrier test at today's Matamata trials.

Ten days ago when favourite to complete a hat-trick on her home track, the Welcome Stakes' winner reared over backwards behind the starting gates and was late scratched. Trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards were told by stewards that the Smart Missile would have to trial before being cleared to race and today she did just that.

Riderless and fitted with a blindfold, she took her place in the starting gates and after tracking the speed she cruised to the lead before holding out the late finishing filly by Foxwedge from Bardego.

“No problems, she behaved herself and did everything right,” said rider Matt Cameron.

Connections had the option to start Sassy 'N' Smart in Saturday's two-year-old race at Te Rapa but that decision was settled by her trial performance and she will go direct to the February 27 feature.

“Backing up on Saturday would have been too much, she can go straight to the Breeders' Stakes,” said Autridge. “We've got her where we want her and we won't be changing anything.”