Trainer Matt Smith is taking a deliberate approach with Millie De Lune, hoping the talented mare can put a frustrating period of injury behind her when she makes her racing return at Rosehill on Saturday.
The Puissance De Lune filly is set to race in the Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap over 1400 metres, her initial start since sustaining a tendon injury that halted what had seemed a promising career over staying distances.
Millie De Lune had previously shown her talent with a middle-distance win at Randwick in June 2025, subsequently earning a place in the Winx Guineas, where she finished in the pack.
Although Smith does not expect her to be victorious on her comeback run, he believes the mare possesses the capability to achieve success over longer distances later in her preparation.
“It’s just a starting point,” Smith commented. “She had a tendon injury. It was very minor, but it took ages to heal. Everything has been good so far, so touch wood.
“She is a really nice mare and when she gets up over a trip to 2000, 2400 (metres), she will be good.”
Jay Ford has been booked to partner Millie De Lune, who represents one of up to five Rosehill contenders for the stable.
Smith will also present Anythink Goes in the Congratulations Siena Grima Handicap (2000m), while Astero and World Alliance are slated for the NSW Jockeys Association Handicap (1300m).
Winston Hills is currently an emergency and needs one more scratching to get into the field.
Smith’s confidence in Astero has been diminished by a wide barrier draw and the potential for a drying track, despite being pleased with the veteran’s recent exertions.
He is more optimistic about World Alliance, a gelding who has endured considerable misfortune this campaign but is well-equipped to deliver a strong finish if the race tempo suits.
The gelding was unfortunate in the Ramornie Handicap at Grafton and had earlier produced two promising Sydney efforts, including a third behind Istolea Merc at Canterbury.
“He’s one of those horses that’s always going to be a bit unlucky because he gets back and runs on,” Smith noted. “He has been unlucky a couple of runs this prep. He probably should have won at Canterbury.
But if the speed is there, he can be finishing over the top of them.”
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