A proven stakes performer and an up-and-coming filly will headline trainer Matthew Smith's assault on the carnival races this spring.Hurtle Myrtle is back in work at Smith's Warwick Farm stables after a fruitful two-start winter campaign which yielded a Group Two win in the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm.It was her second victory at that level after she claimed the Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick during the autumn, prompting Smith to raise the bar this campaign."She's going towards

A proven stakes performer and an up-and-coming filly will headline trainer Matthew Smith's assault on the carnival races this spring.

Hurtle Myrtle is back in work at Smith's Warwick Farm stables after a fruitful two-start winter campaign which yielded a Group Two win in the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

It was her second victory at that level after she claimed the Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick during the autumn, prompting Smith to raise the bar this campaign.

"She's going towards the Myer Classic in Melbourne," Smith said.

"She's stronger than last time. She is really getting better as she gets more mature."

Smith said Hurtle Myrtle would resume in the Group Three Golden Pendant (1200m) at Rosehill on September 24.

She is then likely to head to Melbourne for the Group Two Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 15 with the Group One Myer Classic (1600m) run at Flemington two weeks later.

He is also looking forward to the return of lightly-raced filly Combat Kitty.

She has been off the scene since finishing runner-up to Karuta Queen in the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast in January.

Smith said she had a chip removed from a fetlock after that race and had returned in great order.

Combat Kitty showed her fitness with a barrier trial win at Warwick Farm on Friday ahead of her return at Canterbury this week.

"Everything is good with her, I just felt she needed a bit more racing before she tackled better company," Smith said.

"She will kick off on Wednesday and then we will go to Saturday company.

"I've mapped out a preparation around coming into the three-year-old (Princess) Series and into the Flight Stakes if she is good enough."

The Group One Flight Stakes (1600m) is at Randwick on October 1 and Smith has had some luck in the race with Hurtle Myrtle finishing third to More Joyous two years ago.

Meanwhile, trainer Anthony Cummings will keep his options open for promising three-year-old Strike The Stars.

A fast-finishing second to Darci Be Good over 1400m at Rosehill last start, Strike The Stars has been entered for two 1550m races at Canterbury on Wednesday along with the Group Two Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick three days later.

"He will possibly run Wednesday but I will nominate him for the Chelmsford as well," Cummings said.

Stablemate and 2008 Rosehill Guineas winner Dealer Principal will be nominated for the Group Three Tramway Hcp (1400m) on Saturday while Fontelina will be among the entries for the Listed Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m).