Swettenham Championship hots up at Headquarters

The Swettenham Stud Summer Championship could have a new leader after Heat 10 at Flemington on Saturday.

Wealthy Lad (Ladoni) only needs to run fifth or better in the VRC Flying Doctor Plate (1400m) to take over on top of the table after the final leg of the series.

The $100,000 Swettenham Stud Championship Final will held at Sportingbet Park on January 28.  The prize package also includes a trophy and a free service to Swettenham Stud shuttler Equiano.

Over Quota (20 points) is the current leader from Let’s Be Happy (18), Platamone Castle (17), Wealthy Lad (16), La Rocket (16), Giresun (15.5) and Ben Zena (15).

Wealthy Lad earned 16 points from a fourth in Heat 3 and a win in Heat 8.  Trainer Robert Smerdon has indicated the gelding will butter up in the Final as long as he pulls up in good order.

Over Quota won Heats 1 & 9 and trainer Mark Webb will have him peaking again on Saturday week.

Mornington trainer Pat Carey also has Ruse De Guerre (No Excuse Needed) heading towards the Final.  The NZ bred gelding earned 9 points in Heats 1 & 5 and is 14th in the current Order of Entry.  Ruse De Guerre was a last-start winner at Sandown on January 18 and Carey has enough time to freshen him up.

Smokin’ Joey (Encosta de Lago) has opened up favourite at $3.10 for Heat 10 at headquarters.  He is trained by Anthony Freedman and has a Listed victory to his credit in the 2010 Blue Sapphire Classic at Caulfield.

Swettenham sire Bianconi can also play a hand in Heat 10 with Flyingconi.  The Shea Eden trained galloper has won two of his three starts since resuming from a six month spell.

Heat 10 will be run as Race 5 at Flemington at 3.30 on Saturday.

SMOKIN’ JOEY
Anthony Freedman trained galloper is pre-post favourite for Heat 10 of the Swettenham Stud Summer Championship