Why Not? Smith Sounds Out Phoenix With Estrella

DAVE Smith is tossing his hat into the ring for a start in the $1.65 million The Phoenix with his all-conquering stayer Super Estrella.

He emphasised that on Sunday after Super Estrella had led throughout to win the Group 2 Sydney Cup (720m) and continue her amazing run of success in the past month.

She scored by almost three lengths over Ariarne Bale and Oh Oh Range in 41.58 as the $1.40 favourite.

Her record now stands at 69 starts for 32 wins, 28 placings and $446,000, and added to her G1 National Distance and Wentworth Park track record success.

“I'm going to sit down with the calendar today and map out a program,” said Dave.

Favourite Super Estrella leads from start to finish to win the Sydney Cup Final at Wentworth Park! pic.twitter.com/po1jBkQ4w0

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 24, 2022

“The Topgun Stayers is the obvious choice, but I'd also like to get consideration for her for The Phoenix.

“And a race like the Shootout at Sandown would suit as well.

“It's a race I have been drawn to for so many years, right back to when dogs like Kantarn Bale were running in it.

“OK, she's not going to be favourite to win The Phoenix, but there will be none finishing better than her. She's been in four Group sprint finals and been placed in them all.”

The Phoenix will be run over 525m at The Meadows on December 17 with the winner to take home $1 million.

WHILE Zipping Kyrgios fell just a neck short of victory in the Million Dollar Chase, John and Minnie Finn landed the Young Star final (520m) with a potential MDC aspirant in Zipping Orlando.

The son of Zipping Garth-Zipping Dharma remained unbeaten in eight starts with a 29.65 win by three lengths over Fat Boy's Charm and Bandit Jane.

He is unbeaten in five runs at Wentworth Park where he already has a career best of 29.54.