Following a 2.85-length defeat in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2100m) on May 28, Matthew Smith is hoping that his European import Esti Feny can improve out to 2200m in this Saturday’s Q22 at Eagle Farm.
The seven-year-old son of Pigeon Catcher has now had five starts in Australia, with his most recent performance arguably his best.
As he comes back to Group 2 company on Saturday, the 2018 Magyar St Leger (2800m) winner will be looking to break winless drought of almost four years.
“He was excellent last start without any luck in the run and he stuck on good,” Smith told HorseBetting.
“The little bit further trip will suit him for sure, and he’s probably a horse that will be better at 2400m.”
On Saturday, Esti Feny will jump from barrier one under Jason Collett.
Collett and Smith have combined 165 times throughout their careers, with the pair joining for success 19 times, at an 11.5% success rate.
Smith said that the gelding has come through the Doomben Cup run well, so he is hoping tat a repeat of that performance can hold him in good stead ahead of Saturday’s $1.2 million race.
READ: Two-pronged Brisbane Cup assault for Matthew Smith stable
“He’s in good order,” the trainer said.
“I couldn’t fault him the other day – I thought he was excellent.
“If he produces that sort of run he won’t be far off them.”
While the horse seemed to handle Eagle Farm in his most recent outing, a windy and dry Brisbane is likely to see the surface quite firm for Saturday’s race meeting.
Smith said he will have to “wait and see” if his galloper does handle the firmer deck, with a genuine query around European horses and their ability to handle the surface.
“Eagle Farm the other day probably had a bit of give in it,” he said.
“I don’t know if we’re going to get a track like that Saturday, so you’ve got to put a question mark against all these European horses at Eagle Farm when it gets firm I think.
“We won’t know, we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Following Saturday’s run – win, lose or draw – Esti Feny is likely to have a freshen up, before being prepared for the spring carnival in Sydney, where a race like the Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) could be targeted.
Q22 ODDS
Race 6 – 
#14 Esti Feny (1)
7yo Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: Jason Collett (59kg)
$41 with Ladbrokes
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