Written by Paul Vettise
Fierce Impact (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) has obvious stallion credentials as a dual Group 1 winning son of such an internationally influential sire and trainer Matthew Smith is driven to add to the entire’s CV through the autumn.
The 6-year-old claimed the G1 Toorak H. and the G1 Cantala S. in the spring and will return to Melbourne on Thursday ahead of his resuming run in the G1 Neds CF Orr S. at Caulfield on Saturday.
Fierce Impact has had a couple of trials and an exhibition gallop at Canterbury Park last Friday and topped off with a solid hitout at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning.
“He had a good gallop and worked very well. He seems to have come back in good order and I can’t fault him,” Smith said.
Fierce Impact (Jpn)
“His work at Canterbury was as good as he does work and I think taking him to the races woke him up. Nash (Rawiller) got off him and was very pleased with him, so that probably gives us a good indication that he's come back in pretty good order.
“It’s a tough race, but it fits in nicely. He’s run well at 1400 metres, not at this level, but I’m very positive about him and he can definitely figure in the finish.”
“He’s run well at 1400 metres, not at this level, but I’m very positive about him and he can definitely figure in the finish.” – Matthew Smith
Smith said there were a variety of future options for Fierce Impact and they will be whittled down after this weekend.
“There’s the G1 Chipping Norton S., the G1 Australian Cup, there’s the All-Star Mile, the G1 Ranvet S. and the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. We’ll get this first run under his belt and see how he comes through it and then make a plan.”
Matthew Smith
Smith said there had been contact from stud farms about Fierce Impact, but that had been put to one side for the time being.
“There has been a lot of interest in him, obviously after Melbourne, and the owners were keen to race him on. I’m sure a deal will be done, but at this stage the focus is on this preparation and we’ll see what happens.
“I’m sure a deal will be done, but at this stage the focus is on this preparation and we’ll see what happens.” – Matthew Smith
“If he wins another Group 1 then he’ll be an even more valuable horse. He’s a nice horse to have around for sure.
“He had a few bad habits when we first got him, but he’s good now. He’s a really genuine horse and the blinkers have definitely helped him to focus and sharpen him up when coming back in trip.
“He’s a very versatile horse. He’s won over 1400 metres and was seventh in the G1 All Aged S. and had no luck at all when beaten a couple of lengths.
“He’s won over 2000 metres and a good, genuinely run mile seems to me to be where he’s best. I’m really looking forward to Saturday and I think he’ll be coming strongly.”
