Royal And Ready set for breakthrough to continue Smith’s winning form

John Schell

July 22, 2026 — 5:00pm

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Matthew Smith’s winning form looks poised to continue at Wyong on Thursday with the Warwick Farm trainer having four chances engaged to start on the eight-race card.

Smith enjoyed success last weekend at Hawkesbury on Sunday and Flemington on Saturday, and he will be out to get back into the groove when Royal And Ready steps out in the Gwandalan Bowling Club Maiden Handicap (1600m).

Trainer Matt Smith.Getty Images

Winona Costin will take the ride on Royal And Ready, with the lightly raced gelding having finished third in two of three starts.

“He’s a progressive galloper that is heading in the right direction with a couple of recent placings,” said Smith.

“It was only a small field in his latest start, and he ran well enough to finish in the placings.

“That followed another solid placing at Newcastle at just his second start. This looks a nice race for him at Wyong.”

The Smith prepared Zinger will line up in the Ettalong Diggers Super Maiden Plate (1000m) with Ashley Morgan taking the ride.

Zinger has been placed in each of two city trials, and Smith is confident she can perform well on debut.

“Her trials have been sound, and she shows her share of promise,” said Smith.

“I’m looking forward to seeing her under race conditions.”

Cool Lad will represent Smith in the Mounties Group Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) with three-kilogram apprentice Leeshelle Small in the saddle.

“Cool Lad is a handy horse with a good record and has won two of his last four starts,” Smith said.

“He got there narrowly on the Illawarra Grange circuit two starts ago and was beaten four lengths at Wyong last time out.

“He’s drawn wide, but on his best form he can show up.”

Smith will link up with Sydney’s leading apprentice Siena Grima when she partners Dubai Warrior in the final event at Wyong, The Art Toukley Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m).

“He’s a consistent galloper that won two on end at Wyong at the end of his last campaign,” Smith said.

“His two runs back from a spell have been sound and he is ready to peak now.”

Supplied by Racing NSW

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