Smith’s Belmont Reflectance

Posted on August 19, 2016August 19, 2016 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Reflectance is on target to contest the Hannans Handicap (1400m) in Kalgoorlie, according to the seven-year-olds Karnup-based trainer, Lindsey Smith.

Smith is confident Reflectance can boost his credentials for the goldfields feature after the Carnivale At Crown Handicap (1200m) at Belmont on Saturday.

“The distance suits him, the track should dry out a little and he has drawn good,” Smith told TABradio.

“He is going to be about the place half way down the straight.

“For him to go to the Hannans he will have to threaten and run in the first three.

“I think he is going to be a hard horse to hold out.”

Reflectance carries 56kg for Joe Azzopardi, 2 ½ kg less than his previous start in Kalgoorlie when he posted a smart two length victory over Smart As Fox on July 17.

Azzopardi, who retains the ride, should have Reflectance handily placed with the Redoute’s Choice seven-year-old to start from barrier four in the field of 10.

“He likes to sit just off the pace,” Smith said.

“He is an old horse who knows his way around.

“When he gets trapped out wide and has to do a bit of work he gives up.

“But when he sits behind them he knows it’s going to be a little bit easier and he does kick.”

Reflectance is rated a $9.50 chance on Tabtouch. Heading an open market at $3.90 is Django.

The Trade Fair gelding appears to be relishing his new environment since teaming up with Alan Mathews and will be hard to beat if he repeats his last-start win.

The five-year-old, who has only missed the money once in five Belmont attempts, powered home from last place to defeat Saker over 1300m three weeks back.

Pat Carbery will partner Django from barrier five.