3 minute read

Andrew Gluyas claimed his first stakes victory since the retirement of father in law – Hall of Fame horseman Leon Macdonald - when Air Assault claimed the $120,000 Listed Hill-Smith Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

Air Assault was taken straight to the lead by John Letts Medal winning jockey Jason Holder and never give his rivals a look in booting clear for a soft 3.3 length victory.

"I've said he's been well educated,'' Holder said of Andrew Gluyas.

"He won't leave a stone unturned, and he wants the best for his owners,'' he said.

Air Assault proving missing a vital lead-up was no issue by jumping from 1200m to 1800m to win the three-year-old feature.

"I was concerned of that leading into the race,'' Holder said of missing a key lead-up.

"But I thought if he'd won (that race), he'd be favourite.

"He just out stayed them, he had a nice run out in front, it was a good solid effort,'' he said.

Dan Clarken and Oopy Mac Gillivray had a training double with The Map returning to winning form before promising four-year-old Thirsty Guest scored impressive, fittingly winning on Hill-Smith Stakes Day for owner Robert Hill-Smith.

The pair could both now find their way to Melbourne.

"I think he deserves a chance (interstate),'' Clarken said.

"He's taken time, the older he got the better he's got,'' he said.

The Map is among Melbourne Cup entries, the stable now having to decide if they chance their hand and try and gain a start via the Geelong Cup.

"We've got a few decisions to make,'' MacGillivray said.

"Obviously she still holds an acceptance for the Melbourne Cup, maybe something like the Archer on Derby Day.
"But it would be lovely to see if she can step up to that next level. Otherwise we try and get a run in the Geelong Cup and thrown the dice,'' she said.

Phillip Stokes had a training treble while Lachlan Neindorf had a huge day in the saddle riding four winners.