The in-form Chris Munce stable struck again when the Smart Missile gelding Smart Meteor broke a 26-week run of outs in Saturday’s Listed Ipswich Cup (2150m).
Ridden by Brock Ryan, the 5yo gelding launched down the centre of the track to overpower Our Intrigue (Showcasing) by a neck with a length back to Street Dancer (Pride Of Dubai) in third.
In opening his stakes account at his 11th attempt, Smart Meteor advances his record to six wins, nine seconds, and ten thirds, from 43 starts with earnings of $479,725.
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uo;It is a big thrill. So much goes into a horse like this. I really targeted this race,” Munce said.
“I said to the owners to be patient. I wanted to make sure I get him in there with a light weight, and I’m so pleased that it was wet this morning.
“Everything sort of went to plan. I gave Brock very strict instructions. I didn’t want him getting caught wide on the corner here as it is a tight little track. He rode him fantastic, and the horse delivered.
“I think the key to him is that he’s not a big horse, and he’s not good at carrying weight. That is why I wanted to get him in with the light weight here today.
“If I had a stable full of horses like this guy, I’d be very happy because he puts in every time.”
A $50,000 purchase by his trainer from the Gooree Park Stud draft at the 2018 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Smart Meteor is the best of four winners from as many to race from the unraced Northern Meteor mare Tempting Lady.
Tempting Lady is a daughter of the Group 1 Ansett Australia Stakes and Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Tempest Morn (Thunder Gulch).
Smart Meteor is the 23rd stakes-winner for Twin Hills Stud’s Smart Missile, whose dam Comical Smile is a half-sister to Northern Meteor.
Munce Racing / Oliver Koolman went to $7,000 to purchase Tempting Lady’s Outreach filly from the Goodwood Farm draft at the 2022 Inglis HTBA May Yearling Sale.
After foaling a Flying Artie filly last spring, Tempting Lady was covered by Astern.
