Smith's Straight Stars Selected For Origin Return

DAVE Smith has some unfinished business to deal with when he takes Express Ethics and Jazzy Ethics back to Capalaba for this year's running of the Straight Of Origin.

The Queensland and NSW teams have been selected for the annual series, this year to be run on Sunday, June 1.

Queensland team: Blue Art (Robert Ayres), Bye Bye Swiper (Casey Darqusch), Daysea's Rory (Tom Tzouvelis), Rio Will Rock (Jason Schmidt). Res: That's Hot (Jedda Cutlack).

NSW Team: Badger's Beast (Peter Lagogiane), Jazzy Ethics (Dave Smith), Express Ethics (Dave Smith), Logie Magic (Carol Eaton). Res: Audrey's Magic (Carole Eaton).

Express Ethics and Jazzy Ethics are back from running in last year's Straight Of Origin, finishing sixth and seventh respectively, behind That's Hot.

"It was a super field last year," Smith said.

"The NSW dogs were all drawn over near the inside last year, and the locals got a nice clear run."

That's Not downed Capalaba superstar Valhalla and Hotel Whisky One, the latter since a Group winner when trained in Victoria.

Express Ethics is on the comeback trail after an injured back muscle and Smith is confident Jazzy Ethics will be hard to toss this year.

"Express Ethics has had one run back and finished second," he said. "He's in on Thursday and I hope to get another run in before the race at Capalaba.

"He was not right when he went up last year, but he's such a great straight track dog and he's stronger this year.

"Jazzy Ethics is a much better hope this year as well.

"She is such a strong finisher and a rare bitch who is great up the straight. She went 11 months racing at Richmond up the straight without ever meeting another bitch."

Capalaba track record holder, Rio Will Rock (19.17) is racing well and part-owner and trainer Jason Schmidt is confident his dog will be hard to toss.

"The times have not been great at Capalaba lately because the track was hit by a flood recently and the track has been a bit off since,” he said.

"Let's hope he draws in the middle so he can get in behind the lure."

The Straight Of Origin box draw will be conducted on May 25 for the $40,000 to the winner race.