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The Kosciuszko isn’t quite at the forefront of trainer Danielle Seib’s thoughts with lightly raced mare Smokeshow just yet but a strong first-up performance at Warwick Farm on Wednesday is an important step toward earning a spot in the $2 million feature.
The Goulburn trainer has been patient with Smokeshow, who hasn't raced since winning a Highway at Randwick in January, and says the timing is right to step out in the Microphone @ Darley Handicap (1000m).
Smokeshow had her only public trial back in mid-June and has been scratched a couple of times but Danielle Seib said it's been easy to keep her ticking over.
"I'm very happy with her. We've had not the right set up, she's been accepted but had average barrier draws,'' she said.
"I'd like to showcase her to the best of her ability, do the horse justice.
"She's lightly raced and she's had a few setbacks early in her career but since joining the team it's been quite smooth sailing.
"She's continued to raise the bar and get better with each run."
The five-year-old is on the $51 line in TAB all-in betting on The Kosciuszko so still has some rungs to climb but with the $5 tickets still on sale via TAB for another month time is on her side.
That said, Seib is confident Smokeshow, $8.50 with TAB on Tuesday, can take that next step even with the knowledge that 1000m, though she has won at the distance, will likely be a touch short of her best trip.
"At the end of last preparation we saw what she's capable of with the blinkers back on over the 1100m,'' she said.
"She was held up for quite some time in the straight before she was able to secure the inside run on Iron Will, who has subsequently won a Highway.
"She attacked the line that day and did her best work late. There's plenty of improvement to come with her and she's a nice progressive horse moving forward.
"She will train on from the run, that's for sure. It'd be nice to have one in (The Kosciuszko) but the horse comes first."
Tyler Schiller continues his association with Smokeshow at Warwick Farm and Seib said from a favourable draw she will have her chance to impress.
"She has an adaptable racing style, with the blinkers on she's settled a lot closer to the speed but still showed a good turn of foot,'' she said.
"That says a lot about a horse's ability when they can be a little bit adaptable in their run and still hit the line well.
"I'm expecting in Benchmark grade she will showcase herself well in what is an open race."
Stablemate Charlemagne will be out to back up an unlucky fourth last time he ventured to Warwick Farm in the Precise Air Handicap (1300m).
The gelding was beaten a length by Powerful Peg in a 1400m event three weeks ago and Seib said he's certainly held his form at home.
"He's absolutely flying, he's a testament to what confidence does to a horse,'' she said.
"He was very brave there a few weeks ago, just held up for clear running at the top of the straight. He's honest as the day is long and he'll be hard to beat."
