Steven Smith expecting 1000 Guineas glory

Caymanas Park groom Steven Smith says that a victory for race favourite ABOVE AND BEYOND in the 1000 Guineas at Caymanas Park today will be a major win for his career.

Smith has been a groom at Caymanas Park for 14 years and is employed by stable owner Anthony Nunes.

This racing year, he has been appointed groom for three-year-old filly ABOVE AND BEYOND and has spent his time ensuring that she remains well conditioned for the season.

Smith has said that the likelihood of solidifying his career as a well-respected groom should happen when ABOVE AND BEYOND lives up to expectations on race day.

“I’ve been hoping to win a Classics race, so a win by ABOVE AND BEYOND would only put the icing on the cake,” Smith said.

“I am excited about my chances on Saturday because I know she (ABOVE AND BEYOND) is the favourite to win.”

Other grooms will be doing everything in their power to ensure that their horses can defeat the favourite. However, Smith remains confident that he will come out the top groom today.

“I am not worried about my competitors because I know I have the best horse,” Smith said.

For her to dominate the field, however, the necessary preparations must be put in place to ensure that she is ready for action.

Likewise, Smith says that ABOVE AND BEYOND has been looking fit during workouts, and he is looking forward to seeing what she will do to her competition.

Having run only two races this season, ABOVE AND BEYOND has exceeded the expectations of many and has shown that she is a fierce competitor.

During her season races, ABOVE AND BEYOND has managed to upset the field and overshadowed rivals including NIPSTER, ridden by Anthony Thomas, and DENDEN (Christopher Mandeem), proving that she is ready to take on any challenge that comes her way.

Favourite ABOVE AND BEYOND is expected to be ridden by jockey Dane Nelson today.

- Athena Clarke