Golden Straand seeking redemption in The Hunter

Trainer Matthew Smith anticipates a significant improvement from Golden Straand this weekend, as the horse returns to racing closer to home after a disappointing Melbourne campaign. The five-year-old son of Snitzel is slated to contest the lucrative $1 million Listed The Hunter at Newcastle.

This 1300-metre sprint represents Golden Straand's first run since finishing ninth in the Group 2 Rising Fast Stakes over 1200 metres at Flemington on Derby Day. He had taken up a forward position but weakened in the closing stages.

Smith suggested that Golden Straand's eagerness at the start contributed to his below-par performance in the Rising Fast Stakes, where he was beaten almost four lengths by Ndola in his initial straight-track appearance.

"He just began too quickly," the trainer commented. "He drew the right part of the track, but the plan was to ride him with cover and he jumped straight to the front. So, it all went pear-shaped right out of the gate."

Golden Straand's recent successes have all been at 1100 metres. His last venture over 1300 metres was on November 1 of the previous year, where he finished fifth in a benchmark 78 race at Randwick on Golden Eagle Day.

Providing the race unfolds differently from his last outing, Smith is confident that Golden Straand will handle the 1300-metre distance of The Hunter.

"The 1300 should be ideal for him and just hopefully we get to ride him like the start before, when he got a bit of covered and finished off," Smith elaborated. "He's a big-galloping, big-striding horse, Newcastle should suit him and 1300 shouldn't be a problem."

Among the 32 entries for The Hunter are last year's victor Coal Crusher, Bill Ritchie Stakes winner General Salute, The Invitation runner-up Infancy, the in-form Victorian horse Run Harry Run, and Rising Fast Stakes second-placegetter Sweynesday.

Check out the latest racing odds at your favourite online bookmakers for The Hunter.