Mister Smartee looks set to get a golden opportunity to turn the tables on Magnificent Storm in Friday’s $50,000 Governors Cup (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Magnificent Storm scored a stunning win in last month’s Bunbury Cup, where Mister Smartee finished fifth.
Mister Smartee has the critical barrier draw advantage over the Ray Williams-trained pacer this week.
The Gary Hall Snr-trained five-year-old has drawn barrier four, while Magnificent Storm will start from barrier six.
Mount Eden Sprint winner Sangue Reale also looks set to be a key player in the race from barrier three.
Bunbury Cup placegetters Otis and Waverider have also drawn kindly in barrier one and 11.
The Greg and Skye Bond-trained pair Mighty Conqueror and Tenzing Bromac will be out to press their Nullarbor claims from barrier two and eight respectively.
Trainer Justin Prentice has secured the services of New South Wales-based driver Will Rixon to drive Mighty Ronaldo from barrier seven.
Prentice also has Tricky Miki in the event from barrier 10, with Trent Wheeler to drive.
Meanwhile, Gee Heza Sport will be nominated to race at Gloucester Park on Good Friday, following his unplaced performance first-up last week.
Co-trainer Greg Bond said the pacer appeared to have taken no ill effects from the run, despite being beaten by 38m Wonderful To Fly.
Bond indicated he would nominate Gee Heza Sport in the last Free-For-All before the $1.25 million Nullarbor, where he was still in contention to fill the Team Bond slot.
Tenzing Bromac, Mighty Conqueror and Justcallmemiki are expected to be contenders for the slot, should Gee Heza Sport be ruled out.
Tim Walker
Image - Pacepix