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Smuggler’s Bay has long been an exciting prospect for Co-Trainers Ron Weston and John Nisbet with the now five-year-old gelding headlining a quality TAB Federal (1000m) field at Thoroughbred Park this Friday.

A brilliant winner on debut at the 2021 Wagga Cup Carnival, Smuggler's Bay then made light work of Class 1 company at Albury before a second placing behind a smart one in Tags. Next he won again, making it three victories from his first four career starts.

While a loss of form in his second preparation was frustrating for Trainer Ron Weston, his belief in the horse never waived.

"He had a poor preparation but I think it was off the back of some bad luck too." Weston said. "He is a talented little horse though and he has come back great this time in."

After failing first up, Smuggler's Bay returned to form with a commanding win second up in a Benchmark 66 (1000m) at Goulburn.

"It was a good win and was more like the horse we know." Weston said. "We have a really high opinion of him and really think he's a potential Kosciuszko horse."

"He has drawn well on Friday (Barrier 5) and with the rail in the true position, he should get a lovely run. With Rochelle (Wedrat-Kroezen) taking 4kg off, he should be right in this."

Smuggler's Bay is drawn alongside Keith Dryden's Emma's Gift who enters this contest second up after a pass-mark second placing at Mourya last start.

Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones' improving galloper Song Cycle was a dominant winner at Nowra last start and although harder here, will be competitive with 55kgs.

The TAB Federal is Race Five on Friday's program and is due to jump at 3:35pm