Millie De Lune set for return from injury at Rosehill

Trainer Matt Smith is adopting a measured approach with Millie De Lune, hoping the talented mare can overcome a frustrating injury setback when she reappears at Rosehill on Saturday.

The Puissance De Lune filly is set to contest the Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap (1400m), her first start since suffering a tendon injury that interrupted what was shaping up to be an exciting staying campaign.

Millie De Lune had demonstrated her potential with a middle-distance victory at Randwick in June 2025 before earning a start in the Winx Guineas, where she finished in the midfield.

Smith is not expecting a win on her first-up run but believes the mare has the inherent ability to make her presence felt over longer distances later in her preparation.

"It's just a starting point," Smith said. "She had a tendon injury. It was very minor, but it took ages to heal. Everything has been good so far, so touch wood. "She is a really nice mare and when she gets up over a trip to 2000, 2400 (metres), she will be good."

Jay Ford has been engaged to ride Millie De Lune, who is one of up to five Rosehill acceptors for the stable.

Smith also has Anythink Goes entered for the Congratulations Siena Grima Handicap (2000m), while Astero and World Alliance are set to compete in the NSW Jockeys Association Handicap (1300m).

Winston Hills is currently an emergency and requires one further scratching to gain a start.

Smith's confidence regarding Astero has been tempered by a wide barrier draw and the prospect of a drying track, despite being satisfied with the veteran's recent trackwork.

He holds more optimism for World Alliance, who has encountered significant bad luck this campaign but is capable of producing a potent finishing burst if the race unfolds favourably.

The gelding experienced a luckless run in the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton and had previously delivered two encouraging Sydney performances, including a third placing behind Istolea Merc at Canterbury.

"He's one of those horses that's always going to be a bit unlucky because he gets back and runs on," Smith commented. "He has been unlucky a couple of runs this prep. He probably should have won at Canterbury. But if the speed is there, he can be finishing over the top of them."

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