The Q22 wasn’t originally on the winter carnival program for Huetor, but the dual group 1 winner has responded so well to a short freshen-up that co-trainer Peter Snowden has had a change of heart.
Snowden planned to bypass the Q22 (2200m) this year given Huetor had finished unplaced in the past two editions, both times off the back of Doomben Cup wins.
However, he confirmed the gelding would now take his place in next Saturday’s field after pleasing him since his fourth behind Bois D’Argent in this year’s Group 1 feature.
“I was nearly going to turn him out,” Snowden said.
“Previously, we’ve gone to the Q22 after (the Doomben Cup) and it hasn’t worked for us.
“I tipped him out for four days in the paddock at a stable close by where (fellow trainer) Tony Gollan spells his horses.
“He came back in after four days and he looked absolutely amazing. It’s incredible what the four days has done for him.”
While Huetor couldn’t manage a three-peat in the Doomben Cup (2000m) last start, Snowden was more than satisfied with his effort.
From a wide draw, the seven-year-old settled worse than midfield and made a sustained run on what Snowden felt was an inferior section of the track to be beaten just over a length.
“Everything got off the fence at the half-mile and all he saw was clear air and he kept creeping and creeping, so that started his run going forward,” he said.
“It just left him (vulnerable) and the last fifty metres, he peaked on his run.
“He didn’t get beaten far, so I don’t see anything wrong with the run at all.”
Tommy Berry has ridden Huetor at his past two starts and will again have the mount.
The $1.2 million Q22 is one of nine black-type races on Saturday’s Stradbroke Handicap program at Eagle Farm, the meeting the jewel in the crown of Brisbane’s winter carnival.
