Smart sprinter Message Bank's return to form at Flemington on Oaks Day early last month has boosted the Robert Smerdon stable's hopes that he can break through for his first win in over a year at caulfield today.
The seven-year-old hasn't won since scoring under 59.5kg in anopen sprint over 1100m on Ballarat Cup Day in November last year and is topweight in the Redelva Hcp (1100m) with 58kg.
"He ran a great race down the straight on Oaks Day," said Smerdon's assistant trainer Pat Cannon last night.
"They all went to the outside but he was out towards the middle of the track without cover and got to the front before finishing up third."
Message Bank was ridden by Michael Rodd on that occasion in the MFS Stakes (1100m) and finished less than a length behind Miss Judgement and Let Go Thommo.
The stable has opted to use apprentice Sebastian Murphy, who claims 1.5kg in town, today.
"Robert was keen to claim with that weight," Cannon said.
The gelding's six wins from 29 starts include a 1200m victory at Flemington in March last year and the Golden Topaz (1200m) at Swan Hill in June 2006.
Smerdon is in Hong Kong catching up with stable clients and will attend the International meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday.
But the stable continues to tick over with Stay All Day winning impressively at Sandown earlier this week.
Six-year-old Stay All Day will be aimed at the Bagot Handicap (2500m) at Flemington on New Years' Day.
Cannon said Message Bank and his younger half-brother Barwon Express, runner-up to Soreadyforspring at Sandown, are to be kept in training for the Christmas Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Boxing Day.
