Smith Rues Horror Maiden Draws

WITH two live chances heading into Wednesday night's semi-finals of the Ladbrokes sponsored Group 3 Magic Maiden (520m) at Wentworth Park, David Smith thought he was a decent chance of landing a nice draw with at least one of his pair.

Unfortunately, he was wrong.

"They're both keen railers so five and seven is going to make it hard – they're horror draws actually," said Smith about exciting littermates Funky Ethics and My Bro's Ethics, most impressive on debut at headquarters last Wednesday.

23 month old sons of My Bro Fabio and Smith's top producer Slasher's Ethics, Funky Ethics made light of his 33/1 quote to lead all-the-way in a fast 30.00, while My Bro's Ethics finished third to the impressive Scorched in 30.12.

"There's not a lot between the whole litter, I've had a few setbacks along the way with them so I've taken them along slowly," said Smith.

"It didn't completely surprise me that Funky Ethics went as well as he did last week. His performance trial form was only average, actually you couldn't have given him away, but he improves a lot at his second look somewhere. It was good to get a decent price and I had something on him – it doesn't happen very often!"

Drawn box seven in the third Magic Maiden semi-final on Wednesday, Funky Ethics is pitted up against fellow heat winners Blue Summer Sky and Gina Spaghetti, in what looks as one of the more even qualifiers on paper.

"He's quite strong but more often than not doesn't have as good a first section as his brother My Bro's Ethics. He's drawn box five and I didn't mind his run in his heat from box eight. He can show more speed and if you put him on the inside the other night it could have been a different result – he's a very determined chaser. He's the better of the two from those draws."

Taking training honours from the heats was master conditioner John Finn, landing a winning treble, courtesy of littermates Blanco Caliente, Dreamin' Is Free and Blue Summer Sky.

Each by Barcia Bale out of Chica Destacada, Blanco Caliente was most impressive claiming her heat in 29.92 from box one, a time that sees her progress to Wednesday night's semi-finals as the fastest qualifier.

Ruth King also enjoyed a successful night, heading home with a double, after littermates Blinken Billy and Midnight Magpie (Crash x Inshallah) made winning debuts in 30.00 and 30.50 respectively.

"All the first sections of the dogs that progressed were very even – you could throw a blanket over them," added Smith.

"I'm going into Wednesday night more hopeful than confident from those boxes so we'll be after a bit of luck. I'm happy with the way they're progressing and if they do qualify they'll be better for the runs in the final."

The Group 3 Magic Maiden Final will be run on a spectacular night of racing on Easter Saturday, where $25,000 will be awaiting winning connections.