Talented youngster Free Wheeling boosted Darley’s hopes of a clean sweep of the Group One juvenile races this season with an impressive victory in the Group Two Champagne Classic at Doomben.
After a tardy start Free Wheeling stormed home from third last on the home turn to edge out Dr Ichi by a short neck in Saturday’s 1200m feature.
In a blanket finish, Hot Snitzel finished a third, only a short half head away after being caught three deep.
Trainer Peter Snowden already has a strong hand in next month’s Group Two Sires’ Produce Stakes and Group One TJ Smith at Eagle Farm with Benfica following his impressive victory in the Listed Hampden Stakes at Doomben last week.
However, Snowden refused to be drawn into which youngster was his better hope in the upcoming winter major juvenile races.
“I don’t think there is much between them,” Snowden said.
“Free Wheeling has a lot of untapped ability. The talent is there and only racing will get the best out of him.”
Snowden’s only concern came when Free Wheeling ducked in over the final stages.
“I’ve never seen him do that before,” he said.
“I was always confident he could win.
“He gathered them up fairly quickly and I knew he had it when he got them in two strides.”
Snowden trains for Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley operation and has won every Group One juvenile race in the country this season.
Sepoy won the Blue Diamond Stakes and Golden Slipper while Helmet claimed the AJC Sires’ Produce and Champagne Stakes.
Earlier New Zealander Firebolt charged into contention for some of the second tier winter races with a commanding victory in the Group Three Lord Mayor’s Cup at Doomben.
Firebolt, who was convincingly beaten in the Group Three Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben last week, took charge of jockey Hugh Bowman who was under instructions from trainer Roger James to take a sit.
“The instructions were not to lead but he took off on me,” Bowman said.
“I had to let him stride and run strong sectionals after he got to the front.
“I had him under control until he spotted another horse and went into overdrive.”
Firebolt rounded the home turn well clear of his opposition before going on to score by 1-1/4 lengths to fellow Kiwi St Germaine.
Patinack Farm’s Tagus filled the minor placing a further half length away.
AAP TURF
