Trainer Matthew Smith is hopeful a minor hiccup won’t prevent Ilwendo from seeing out a strong 2000m at Kembla Grange on Saturday.
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While the German import is bred to get over two miles, Smith admits he is uncertain if fitness will become a factor at his third Australian start.
Ilwendo ran third over the 1900m at Canterbury second up, but was forced to have a short break after being trod on in the run. After a five week freshen up, the son of Lando will contest the Nuggets Last Stand Class 1 Handicap (2000m) this weekend.
“We had to try him in this to get him where we want to go, but he might feel the pinch first-up over 2000m,” Smith said.
“He has come back well and trialled good. He just had a little setback at Canterbury last start. He didn’t go out of work, just missed a few gallops.”
Smith is hopeful of testing Ilwendo in city grade at his next start, but believes you won’t see the best of the import until his next preparation.