Talented: Brisbane colt A Good Chance is poised for a big season ahead Photo by Joedy Whitaker Photography
Exciting prospect A Good Chance is nearly ready to kick start his latest campaign.
The Donny Smith trained colt is expected to trial within a fortnight as he gears up for a lucrative and busy campaign.
The reigning Queensland Two-year-old of the year performed with great distinction last season and never missed the board during his ten start campaign which netted four victories.
His crowning glory came in the Gr.3 $35,000 QBRED Breeders Classic Final at Albion Park while he finished an agonisingly close second in the Gr.2 $80,000 QBRED Triad Final behind Jack Malone at his final start of the season.
The Mr Feelgood – Chance The Walk colt also notched a placing in the Gr.1 $100,000 Seymour Nursery Pace Final behind Waves Of Fire and Artistic Flite.
“He’s just about ready to go again and I can’t be any happier with him, I was deliberate in giving him a lengthy break and I’m thrilled with his current condition because he’s really muscled up and filled out in key areas of his body.” Smith said.
A Good Chance will trial at Albion Park in the coming weeks and a raft of feature events have been penciled in for his upcoming campaign.
His first major mission will be a title defence of the Gr.2 $50,000 QBRED Breeders Classic at Albion Park on March 27 before looking at the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad in late May before concentrating on THE Brisbane winter carnival.
“It’s going to be a long season with so many features but we will carefully manage him just like last year and hopefully get the best from him. I’m convinced he’s grown and filled out compared to last season, I would say he’s 30kg to 4okg’s heavier but its all muscle.
“He’s enjoyed a really good foundation and he continues to improve with his times so a trial will bring him on even further. I’m likely to give him two trials but I will just monitor him after his first hit-out.”
Since Smith and his wife Maureen made the switch to their current Redcliffe base from Hendra last year, the numbers have swelled and the results have also been very pleasing.
The couple are currently working a team of twelve while a few a more are currently in pre-training as they prepare for their next campaign.
“We love it here at Redcliffe; with the extra room and stables we have been able to expand our numbers and things are going along nicely. It’s very trainer friendly and the track is well looked after by Greg Franklin and his team.
“Maureen and I get some good help every morning and the system is working, I’m back doing the bulk of the shoeing but I haven’t made my mind up about race driving again yet.
“My foot is getting better all the time but I’m still undecided on which way I’ll go with the driving.”
Smith has been out of action for the past four months with a broken foot after he was stood on by a pacer he was shoeing at his new property.
Just recently, Smith gained a medical clearance to resume race driving but is yet to get back in the bike on raceday.
“I’ve got my clearance but I’m happy with the way things are going currently, we have the services of Chris Petroff and he’s a good driver who drives regularly which is important.
“We may even offer him the drive on A Good Chance this season, but we’ll make that decision soon.”
Smith has already trained 12 winners this season with the promise of plenty more to come.
