The win of Wild Ruler in a hot barrier trial at Rosehill on Monday was music to the ears of the entire’s trainers Peter and Paul Snowden .
While there was no prize money involved, the victory over the Chris Waller-trained duo of Nature Strip and Espiona gave the trainers heart that their sprinter has come back in excellent order.
Wild Ruler took out the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley last September before finishing last on a wet track in The Everest (1200m) at Randwick the following month.
Paul Snowden said the plan for Wild Ruler was to head south to contest the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 26.
Wild Ruler, along with stablemates Aim and Signore Fox, was also among nominations for the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 12 which closed on Monday.
Snowden said it was pleasing to trial Wild Ruler on the course proper at Rosehill on Monday.
“The first three heats were on the course proper yesterday and there were some extremely talented horses,” Snowden told RSN.
“It was nice to get them on a really nice pad of grass and I thought they trialled particularly well, and we were very happy with what happened yesterday.
“We’ll go to Caulfield for the Oakleigh Plate, and we’ll see what happens there and work it out.
“The main thing with this horse is getting the dry conditions. That’s what he desperately needs to produce his best and hopefully the weather can stay on our side.”
Snowden said Wild Ruler was nearing his peak as a sprinter, recording six wins from his 14 starts.
“He’s a lovely looking individual,” Snowden said.
“He’s got plenty of muscle and bulk on him now. He’s got stature about him, a good constitution.
“He’s very lightly-race for his age and is very sound which is more important.”
