An early-season stakes target could be the next assignment for Royal Snitzel after the filly remained unbeaten at Caulfield.
The Mick Price-trained filly showed the benefit of experience gained in her debut win at Donald when she claimed the Ascend Sales Trophies Handicap (1100m) on Saturday.
Royal Snitzel ($6) jumped smartly to sit second before jockey Dale Smith got the best out of her to stave off the late challenge of the $3 favourite Zeletto, which finished strongly to get within a half length of the winner.
Price says Royal Snitzel’s slight build gave him plenty to consider as he decides whether to run her in the Group Three Quezette Stakes (1100m) on August 11.
“It was only her second start today but she’s only a light-framed little thing,” Price said.
“We’ll see how she pulls up whether we’ll go on with her or not.
“On her home track over 1100m, I know there’ll be better fillies around, but she should improve.”
Smith said Royal Snitzel was capable of tackling stakes company as an early three-year-old.
Royal Snitzel provided Price with his 13th two-year-old win of the season but his best-credentialled youngsters Jabali, Cornrow and More Radiant all finished their juvenile terms as maidens.
Price also prepared the third placegetter Berlutti ($15), which led for most of the race before Royal Snitzel and Zeletto overpowered him late.
The Peter Moody-trained Tan Tat Sun raced wide on debut before finishing powerfully to run fourth in an effort that pleased the Caulfield trainer.
“With a little bit of luck, he finishes a bit closer,” Moody said.
