Smart happy with classic pair
Hambleton-based trainer Bryan Smart has revealed Sir Xaar and Misu Bond to be in great shape and on course for the Stan James 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 6.
Sir Xaar, a son of champion two-year-old Xaar, notched three wins in a busy two-year-old campaign that saw him run nine times.
He is currently available at 50-1 with the sponsors to win the colts’ Classic.
Smart said: “Sir Xaar looks super and has strengthened through the winter.
“He never stopped improving last year and is as far forward as I would like him at this moment in time.
“He’s bred to get the trip – he’s a half-brother to a couple of horses who have done well over a mile – but he wouldn’t want it too soft as he’s a quicker ground horse.
“He might get a prep run in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury, but a lot will depend on the ground.”
Misu Bond, a 66-1 shot with Stan James, ran four times over six furlongs as a juvenile – supplementing a win on heavy ground at Doncaster with victory in the valuable totepool Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar in October.
Smart added: “Misu Bond has done really well over the winter.
“He’s strengthened up and grown, and the work he has done so far I’ve been very happy with – I couldn’t be more pleased with him at this stage.
“I’m confident he’ll get the mile trip at Newmarket – he’s a relaxed sort who settles really well in his races so we’ll see.
“I’m confident I have two decent chances this year who are in great nick; both horses look fabulous and their coats are well forward.”
