It’s a busy time for trainer Robert Smith. He's got a former star with pups, an upcoming stayer who looks ready to live up to her potential and a young sprinter making his assault on Group racing.
In 2009 she extended her incredible winning run at TAB tracks to 16, took out the Group Two Gosford Gold Cup and ran a gallant second in the Golden Easter Egg.
"2009 was probably the best part of her career, so it’s good to see her recognised again. It will be a good night," Smith said.
"She had eight pups and all are fit and healthy. Ray (Watson) is going to keep three and he's selling five I think."
Injury forced Miss Elly Mint into retirement mid-2009 but the future looks bright for 'Team Smith'.
On Saturday night at Wentworth Park his staying bitch Lochinvar Vogue ran an impressive second behind the great Mantra Lad in the Group One Hotham Body Repairs Association Cup final.
"She got held up a couple of times again, just like in the heat, but it wouldn't have made a difference to her placing,” Smith said. “She ran second behind Mantra Lad and there's no shame in that."
"She got an invite to the Zoom Top but we'll bypass that, because the big Sydney staying race at Wentworth Park is on around the same time so we'll go for that instead."
On Friday, Smith's Lochinvar Marlow will step onto his home track at The Gardens for what looks like the best form heat of the Derby. Lochinvar Marlow has drawn box four but has an impressive record at the track – he’s been beaten just once there in five attempts.
The young dog has shown tremendous talent in his brief career, and Smith is confident he is up to the challenge of the Derby.
"It looks like the hardest heat he's in there,” Smith said. “You wouldn't be surprised if the winner comes out of that heat, and he's right in the mix."
Heats of the Derby and the Futurity take place at The Gardens this Friday night.