The Smoker is tipped to win today's feature, the Cecil C.Charlton Trophy. - File

SEVEN STARTERS are down to contest today's feature race over 1600 metres for the Paul Newman Memorial Cup (claiming $390,000-$350,000) and indications are that the sparingly raced grey gelding THE SMOKER will continue where he left off in September.

Trained by Noel Ennevor for owner/breeder David DeLisser, THE SMOKER ran on strongly to win the Cecil C. Charlton Trophy over 1300 metres when last raced on September 10, this on a $470,000 claiming tag. He beat GOOD SENSE and FUSILIER by 2 3/4 lengths.

First time racing

Although racing for the first time since, THE SMOKER reports in good condition and now dropped in class, will prove hard to beat with 55kg and in-form Paul 'Country' Francis aboard.

THE SMOKER is seeking his third trophy of the season, having won the Ash Wednesday Trophy when making his seasonal debut on February 6 and the Cecil Charlton Trophy as well.

The five-year-old gelding had previously won over today's trip in September of last year in overnight allowance company when leading home AITCHEMESBEAGLE and GRACE MARIE. Although proving a bit difficult to train and has had to be sparingly raced, THE SMOKER is basically a cut above present company and is definitely the horse to beat in this small field. Still, he can expect worthwhile opposition from the quartet of I AM PAID FOR, RED LION, GALLAVANTER and BONNIE'S VICTORY, who rebounded to win easily over the distance on December 3.

The free-running BONNIE'S VICTORY steps up in class to vie for this trophy. But coming from an in-form stable (Ryan Darby) and back to her best, this Canadian five-year-old mare should bring fitness into play and make a brave bid from her convenient mark (50kg).

Principal danger

Still, the principal danger to THE SMOKER must be the late-kicking I AM PAID FOR, who failed by half a length to catch LATIN KING over 1500 metres on a $350,000 tag on November 22, a race in which BONNIE'S VICTORY finished a remote sixth.

Trained by Gregory Bucknor, I AM PAID FOR will just love the distance and if THE SMOKER has an off day, the four-year-old son of Royal Minister - La Professora looks best equipped to capitalise with in-form Dane Nelson aboard.

With mostly cheap speed present, THE SMOKER to win from I AM PAID FOR is my idea of the outcome.

Other firm fancies on the card are REGAL SELECTION to catch ZUNZUN in the third race over 1600 metres, recent winner MARKET BRIDLE to repeat in the fourth over 1820 metres, THE QUEEN to catch ALNASKRA in the fifth over 1100 metres for overnight allowance horses and SLEDGE in the eighth.