AZTEC SMYTZER COMING OFF GAME SECOND IN BALAKLAVA CUP
ONLY a half-head denied Aztec Smytzer victory in the last cup he contested, the Listed Balaklava Cup. However, on Sunday the 7YO entire will be racing to defend his title in the Darley Seymour Cup.
Enhancing the prospects of Aztec Smytzer is the form from the Balaklava Cup, with the victor the current boom horse of the spring Alcopop. Even trainer Byron Cozamanis is envious of the feats achieved by his South Australian colleague Jake Stephens, stating that Alcopop was going good at the moment.
By Sunday afternoon the Spring Racing Carnival spotlight could be fixed on Cozamanis though, with Aztec Smytzer in good shape for the Darley Seymour Cup.“He has come along about the same as last year,” Cozamanis said. In 2008 Aztec Smytzer finished second in the Balaklava Cup by a half-head.
“Last start he got bogged down a bit at Ballarat. He got caught on the rail and he is the type of horse who likes to get a bit of room.
“But the horse is good and sound, feeling pretty well.”
Returning to the saddle will be jockey Mark Pegus, who rode Aztec Smytzer to victory at Seymour last year.
Aztec Smyzter has posted four wins in his 34-start career and nine placings, with the ability of Cozamanis having Aztec Smytzer ready to win targeted races evident by the entire earning more than $317,000.
A prolific swimmer rather than trackwork burner, the 7YO entire appears destined to sire quality show horses rather than service the racing game when he is done.
“He is a little bit small to be a thoroughbred stallion, but the show people have looked at him. He is a quiet, nice horse and doesn’t seem to worry about the girls too much at the moment,” Cozamanis said.
The Darley Seymour Cup meeting promises to be one of the region's biggest annual events, with entertainment for all the family.
There will be children's activities galore including free jumping castles, the ever popular animal nursery, face painting and much more.
People can make a weekend of the trip to Seymour, with the Tastes of the Goulburn Food and Wine Festival in Station Street on Saturday and then the Darley Seymour Cup on Sunday.
Also on Sunday is the Miler Contractors and Plant Hire Horsham Cup, where two trainers will be seeking a third winner this decade.
Ballarat trainer Terry Kelly achieved victory in 2004 and 2006 with Aquiline, whole Telopea Downs trainer Darryl Dodson posted wins in 2002 and 2007 with You’re Joking and Bad Billy respectively.
Kelly has Red Riviera nominated for the Miller Contractors and Plant Hire Horsham Cup while Dodson has Johan’s Love.
Fashions on the Field is always a major draw card with categories including Little Miss and Mister, Miss Teen Fashion, the Best Dressed Gentleman as picked out of the crowd by roving spotters and the main event, Lady of the Day.
For more information about country race meetings during the spring racing carnival, visit countryracing.com.au.
