RYAN’S HAND FORCED WITH SMOKE ‘N’ DARTS

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HAWKESBURY trainer Blake Ryan didn’t plan on testing Smoke ‘N’ Darts’ mettle so early in the city.

But he says the situation has arisen whereby he has no option than to start the ultra-consistent four-year-old at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The gelded son of North Pacific takes on the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m).

Smoke ‘N’ Darts could hardly have a much better record.

His five starts to date have produced two wins and three seconds, and considering his “CV”, he was at surprising odds ($15) when successful first-up with 59.5kg in a Class 1 Handicap (1000m) at Kembla Grange on October 10.

“My thinking all along was that he would be more experienced next year and ready to go to town then,” Ryan said today.

“However, my hand has been forced much earlier.

“Smoke ‘N’ Darts’ benchmark rating went from 61 to 65 as a result of his recent Kembla Grange victory.

“He would get a big weight in a Benchmark 64, and he’s not a kid’s horse.

“So we’re off to Randwick on Saturday.

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“Smoke ‘N’ Darts has done well since the Kembla Grange win, and he is drawn well.”

With Ryan’s good mate Jay Ford sidelined with injury, Tim Clark has the Randwick mount.

“Tim’s an ideal replacement,” Ryan said. “He is a strong rider, and Smoke ‘N’ Darts needs that.”

Ryan also will resume Midori Giant in a Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1500m) at Kembla Grange on Saturday, with provincial king Keagan Latham taking the reins.

And he is looking forward to Randwick on Big Dance day (Tuesday week) as stablemate Just Awesome chases a hat-trick.

“Just Awesome has won his last two starts at Newcastle, and had a week away on the water walker after his latest success on October 6,” Ryan said.

“There is a Benchmark 84 Handicap (1000m) for four-year-olds and upwards, and apprentice Leeshelle Small, who has partnered Just Awesome in those Newcastle wins, will stay on him and claim 3kg.”

Ryan last week completed his most successful Inglis Ready2Race sale, selling 17 of the 18 unraced early two-year-olds he prepared for the annual auction.

“Definitely our best sale,” he said. “Our top sellers were Home Affairs and Hellbent colts for $460,000 and $400,000 respectively.”

Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup is setting comeback sprinter Jedibeel for Illawarra Turf Club’s feature sprint at The Gong metropolitan meeting at Kembla Grange on November 21.

Jedibeel

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, now a seven-year-old and the winner of eight races, underwent throat surgery after an out of character defeat in the $5m Quokka (1200m) at Perth’s Ascot racecourse in April.

“He looks great, and his two trials back (second at Randwick on October 6 and third at Rosehill Gardens two days ago) have been excellent,” Widdup said.

“I’m planning to give him a third trial, and the $300,000 The Warra (1000m) at Kembla Grange looks a nice race to start him off again.”’.

Widdup has sent Savvy Hallie for a spell following her unplaced run in last Saturday’s $20m The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

“She went way too quickly in front, and it wasn’t surprising she tired,” he said.

“In the circumstances, I thought she still ran well, but it’s best to stop with her now and look ahead to next year.

“Group 1 races such as the Stradbroke Handicap and Tatts Tiara (the latter against her own sex) during the Brisbane winter carnival at Eagle Farm look suitable targets.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, OCTOBER 21, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS