First-up, all-weather track specialist Smart Choice did what was expected by winning a Class Four Handicap (1,200m), but jockey Brett Doyle said the big test would be second-up. The five-year-old was sent out a 2-1 favourite on the strength of a solid six-length win over the same course, first-up at the corresponding meeting last year. In his second run back though, up in Class Three, the gelding was eighth as even money favourite and bled from both nostrils. 'He was only beaten a length and a half in Class Three, so you would think if he doesn't bleed he can win in the bottom of Class Three,' Doyle said. 'He can act at the Valley as well, but he doesn't quite get the 1,650m, but he is a bit dour at the end of it.'