‘Sonthony’ to take partnership to next level

ENJOYING a stellar start to their partnership, Sonya Smith and Anthony Butt hope to take their success to another level this weekend.

Although the pair have been a couple since 2014, Smith and Butt only formed a training partnership as of this season.

Within 48 hours of the new alliance, the duo won a pair of Group Threes and a Group Two.

During the past week they have registered seven wins and a third in the Ballarat Cup.

At Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday night Smith and Butt will be represented by four starters, including Platinum Stride and Vanquish Stride in the Group One Caduceus Classic.

“It’s been a pretty good start to the partnership,” Butt said. “We’ve been having a fair bit of success and hopefully we can keep that going.

“Saturday night would be a good way to do just that.”

Runner-up in Cranbourne earlier this week, Platinum Stride will begin from barrier five, with Vanquish Stride – which was third in the same race – to come from gate four.

Although Butt has elected to drive Platinum Stride he declared there was little separating the geldings.

In-form reinsman Zac Phillips will partner Vanquish Stride.

“There’s not much between them,” Butt said. “Platinum Stride is probably the better one, but not by far.

“He’s has a little more strength than Vanquish, but they’re pretty even.

“Zac has been doing most of the fast work with Vanquish so he will stick with him.”

Citing Patsbeachstorm as the one to beat from the pole, Butt also rates Act Now a strong chance despite his draw.

A member of all-conquering Emma Stewart stable, Act Now will begin from the outside of the second row in his first start since finishing second in a Breeders’ Crown Final on November 21.