SMART Mart thoroughly shelved the perception that he’s an out-and-out sand performer when he ran on strongly to win a MR80 Handicap over 2600m on the inside track at Turffontein, Saturday.

The three-year-old gelding by Mambo In Seattle had posted his three career wins prior to this race in commanding fashion on sand at the Vaal, but he’s run close-up to promising sorts on turf three times, including a fifth to Legal Eagle in the recent SA Derby, when he jumped from a wide draw.

Classic form like this appeared more than good enough in Saturday’s weaker company and Smart Mart’s supporters put the money down. He went off 18-10 favourite and unleashed a well-timed run under Johnny Geroudis to collar the free-striding front-runner Jezero 100m out. He won going away and looks versatile enough to win his way to the higher divisions on both surfaces.

Smart Mart is partnership-owned by Ferdi and Liz Ladeira, Chris Gerber, Gerald Sadlier and Dr Manfred Rohwer and is a produce of Gerber’s Moutonshoek Stud Farm. He boasts four wins from nine starts now and runs with confidence – his owners will be looking for another win soon and have a very nice staying prospect on their hands.