Andrew Gluyas out to win fifth Hill Smith Stakes with Goldrush Guru and Wild Winner at Morphettville on Saturday

Trainer Andrew Gluyas has two chances, including the favourite, to continue his imposing record in the Hill Smith Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

Trainer Andrew Gluyas has an imposing record in the Hill Smith Stakes (1800m), and he’s in prime position to score a fifth win in the three-year-old feature at Morphettville on Saturday.

Gluyas takes a two-pronged attack into the Hill Smith, with talented colt Goldrush Guru and improving filly Wild Winner ready to step up to 1800m.

Gluyas won the race three times when training in partnership with master horseman Leon Macdonald, and claimed it again last year in his own right with Air Assault.

• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Twelve months on, Goldrush Guru heads the market for Gluyas as a $2.25 favourite with Sportsbet, and the son of American Pharoah is ready to get back on the winner’s list after consecutive second placings.

“He’s going well. I’m excited to get him beyond the mile at the 1800m,” Gluyas said.

“His last couple of starts he’s been a victim to small fields, carrying weight and muddled tempos.

“I think he’s in good order, I’m excited for him racing on Saturday.”

Goldrush Guru is favourite in the Hill Smith Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday. Picture: Makoto Kaneko

• The Jenni dilemma: ‘The terrifying part is there is not much you can do'

Wild Winner ($21) broke her maiden three starts ago on Balaklava Cup day, and has since strung together back-to-back placings in Saturday grade.

Gluyas believes the filly will be a better prospect over further ground.

“She’s definitely a next-time horse, she’s bred to get ground, she’s got a few bad habits that need to be ironed out for next time there’s no doubt,” he said.

“Her form is good enough to have a crack (Saturday) and look at that black type over 1800m.”

Goldrush Guru will be piloted by Jason Holder, while Wild Winner has Teagan Voorham aboard.

It's a perfectly timed run from @cjones151290 aboard Goldrush Guru ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/WzQXKAX1vR

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 7, 2024

• Racing SA CEO resigns, takes up Racing Victoria role

Last year’s winner, Air Assault, will be front of mind again for Gluyas on Saturday, the five-time stakes winner tackles a Group 3 assignment in the Moonga Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield.

Gluyas is hoping for an improved showing on the gelding’s last-start performance, where he finished sixth at Morphettville as a $1.70 favourite.

“He raced a bit flat, we just had to regroup there and freshen him up, we’ve kept him to the 1400m this time, which can leave our options open moving forward,” he said.

“He races better at the mile, I did like the profile of Caulfield last week, although that will change tomorrow with the conditions, with the track heading to the slow regions.

“I’m just looking for him to regain form, then we can move forward with a bit of confidence.”

Gluyas will also welcome back smart mare Lovely Lookin’ on Saturday at Morphettville, the four-year-old will line up in a Benchmark 78 over 1050m.

Saturday also marks a significant day for stable apprentice Alan Lai, who will ride at his first metropolitan meeting.

Alan Lai celebrates a win aboard Mercury Eight at Balaklava. Picture: Makoto Kaneko

• 'Some people have a dig about Giga Kick … but then I see Isla'

Lai has ridden 28 winners across his short career, and boasts an impressive winning strike rate of 17.9 per cent this season – having scored 12 wins.

“We’re excited for him, he’s done a lot of groundwork over the last year and a bit,” Gluyas said.

“He’s worked hard in conjunction with his tutors from Hong Kong, he’s put the work in and he’s really developed over the last five months.

“I’m looking forward to him stepping out on Dreams Fulfilled, who he’s handled well.”

Lai will also pilot Mercury Eight for Bill Bogarts and Deevine for Ryan Balfour on Saturday’s nine-race card.

Originally published as Andrew Gluyas out to win fifth Hill Smith Stakes with Goldrush Guru and Wild Winner at Morphettville on Saturday