CAULFIELD trainer Robert Smerdon has high ambitions for promising jumper All Well after a gutsy win in the George Taylor Memorial Maiden Hurdle (3200m) at Warrnambool on Tuesday.
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Jockey Jamie Mott had All Well ($4) tracking the well supported Gai Waterhouse-trained Bonfire ($2.80 favourite) throughout the maiden hurdle until the race became a real contest on the home turn.
All Well swooped on the lead and set up and winning break, holding off the fast finishing Cranbourne jumper Felix Bay ($12) to win by three-quarters of a length.
The Darren Weir-trained Hale Soriano was another 2.25 lengths away third in a time of three minutes 49 seconds some 14 seconds outside the record which indicated the track was a true heavy 8.
Smerdon said he didn't really have an immediate plan for All Well.
"Geez he can jump. He'll end up a steeplechaser. He's got a good future ahead, he's got a great leap," he said.
Smerdon said three-kilogram claim for experienced flat jockey Mott also helped in the driving finish.
"I think that's his last three-kilogram claim," he said.
Mott said Smerdon had done an outstanding job with All Well.
"Robert's done a fantastic job. I can't thank him enough for the opportunity he's given me," he said..
"I was able to get nice cover off Bonfire throughout the race," he said.
For Smerdon it was his 49th career win at the May Race Carnival.
He was born in Derrinallum after his father was granted a soldier settlement in the 1950s after the World War II.
"We've been coming here to the carnival for a long time," he said.
"We then moved to Ballarat where I worked with my uncle when I was 10 years old," he said.
Smerdon has dominated past carnivals and in 2010 won the trainer's bonus of a Mercedes Benz.
