Millie De Lune begins long-awaited comeback

Matt Smith isn’t anticipating a winning return from Millie De Lune at Rosehill, but he is banking on the mare getting her career back on the rails this spring.

A daughter of Puissance De Lune, the four-year-old underlined her staying potential with a middle-distance win at Randwick in June 2025, earning herself a shot at that year’s Group 3 Winx Guineas (1600m) in which she finished midfield.

A tendon injury has sidelined her since then, and Smith says he will simply be happy to have her back at the races in the Congratulations Chris Waller Handicap (1400m) on Saturday.

But once she extends to a staying journey, he is hoping she can realise her earlier potential.

“It’s just a starting point,” Smith said.

“She had a tendon injury. It was very minor, but it took ages to heal. Everything has been good so far, so touch wood.

“She is a really nice mare and when she gets up over a trip to 2000, 2400 (metres), she will be good.”

Jay Ford has the ride on Millie De Lune, who will be one of up to five Rosehill runners for the trainer along with Anythink Goes in the Congratulations Siena Grima Handicap (2000m) and Astero and World Alliance in the NSW Jockeys Association Handicap (1300m).

Winston Hills is an emergency for his assignment and needs one more scratching to gain a start.

A wide draw and drying track have dampened Smith’s enthusiasm for Astero this weekend, although he reports the veteran’s “work has been super”, but says World Alliance is capable of bobbing up with the right run.

The latter had little luck when unplaced in the Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton, but his two previous runs in town were solid, including a third to Istolea Merc at Canterbury in June.

“He’s one of those horses that’s always going to be a bit unlucky because he gets back and runs on,” Smith said.

“He has been unlucky a couple of runs this prep. He probably should have won at Canterbury.

“But if the speed is there, he can be finishing over the top of them.”