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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Matthew Smith’s hand may have been forced a little to test out talented sprinter Headwall’s ability beyond a scamper at Rosehill on Saturday but he says it’s not beyond him to pass the test.

Trainer Matthew Smith (Pic: Bradley Photos)

There’s one critical factor, that’s out of Smith’s control, that will determine whether Headwall can win the ClubsNSW Handicap (1100m) at his first attempt past 1000m.

Headwall, $4 with TAB on Wednesday, has yet to miss a place in eight starts at 1000m or below and Smith said it’ll be up to Zac Wadick to keep the gelding settled as he did with great effect in his first-up win.

“We certainly don’t want to be digging him up because he’ll over race,’’ Smith said.

“We’ll let him be where he’s comfortable. The main reason we’ve kept him at 1000m and below is because he’s such a keen horse.

“It comes down to tempo. If they go a good gallop it will suit him better so he will relax a bit better, if he relaxes he generally finds the line a bit better.”

Smith said given his racing style, if he settles, he sees no reason why Headwall couldn’t stretch his brilliance for another 100m and if he can it would have the added bonus of opening up options at that distance range.

He drops 1.5kg on his Kensington win first-up where he rounded up his rivals from last on a heavy track to win running away by three lengths.

He said if anything it should be easier for a horse to stretch out in distance on a good track.

“We’re going to be back on top of the ground which is going to be interesting,’’ he said.

“We know he loves a wet track so we’ll see if he’s as good on top of the ground and whether he can run 1100m.

“He’s in the right race and we’ll see what he can do.”

The Warwick Farm trainer is curious about what imported stayer Waltham will produce first-up in the Campbelltown Catholic Club Handicap (2000m) in his second local preparation.

The lightly raced gelding finished midfield at the Hawkesbury Cup meeting in an 1800m race back in May at his only Australian start before being given time to adjust.

Waltham won his first two starts in Ireland over 2615m so he’ll naturally appreciate a staying trip.

“His form was good, he won his first two impressively and was pretty good in that Listed race against some good opposition,’’ Smith said.

“He was on his first racing prep, I like what I see and I think he has adapted quite well.

“He’ll start to sharpen up each preparation and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him, next preparation, winning a good race.”

Headwall wins at Kensington on August 14

As for his chances first-up, Smith said the gelding has worked well and will naturally improve on whatever he produces.

“He does everything like a nice horse. He’s not screwed down or anything but he’s ready to start his preparation,’’ he said.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Rosehill meeting