Apprentice jockey Reece Jones and trainer John Thompson have combined for a minor upset in the Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic at Scone on Saturday afternoon.
She’s a mare that’s been plagued by horror barriers and luckless runs, finally able to produce her brilliant best from back in the field to score a dominate 1.2-length victory.
Short Shorts ($4.80) was a well-backed commodity in the penultimate event and looked the winner powering to a forward position, while Bring The Ransom ($11) stalked a genuine tempo from well back In the field of 16.
Both were admirable runs; however, they were simply no match for the mare by Smart Missile, who seemingly appreciated the firm condition on offer and long straight of Scone Racecourse.
2023 Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic Replay – More Prophets
It’s career win number six for this consistent six-year-old and John Thompson spoke to exactly that in the aftermath of her impressive display.
“Today she finally drew a gate,” said Thompson.
“There was good speed in the race which was great, and it just set it up nicely for her.
“She’s been going super. Just no luck with draws and wet tracks, it’s been a bit of a disaster. Very frustrating for the owners, but they’ve been patient and thankfully today they’ve been rewarded.”
More Prophets did buckle at the start and able to pick herself up. Reece Jones alluded to exactly that in his post-race assessment before praising his tough mare.
“She was half tardy away,” said Jones.
“One shifted in on us and it out us back further than what I would’ve liked but was able to use a patient ride and pick up underneath them, get into some open room and she was just too good for them.
“She was lovely, she just does everything you want her to. She’s got a really good turn-of-foot and probably surprised me how she accelerated straight away.
“She’s been great this prep – today everything seemed to be in her favour and it worked out well.”
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