Detective in search of a second stakes win

Sydney-trained colt Detective needs to impress again in the Group Two Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley if he is to earn a shot at the Caulfield Guineas eight days later.

Detective was one of two Peter and Paul Snowden-trained horses taken to Moonee Valley on Monday to familiarise themselves with the circuit in solo gallops ahead of feature racing at the track on Friday night.

Redzel, who runs in the Group One Moir Stakes (1000m), also had a work-out and Peter Snowden is convinced it was a worthwhile exercise for both.

Detective finished second in four of his five starts as a two-year-old but has won his two starts as a three-year-old including a Listed 1400m race at Flemington last start.

Snowden says he is a more committed racehorse this time and believes the Stutt Stakes (1600m) is a suitable option.

“He’s going really well. He’s trained on nicely and keeps getting better this preparation,” Snowden said.

Snowden said Detective was a casual worker but he was happy with Monday’s exercise as he believed it was important for the colt to have a look around the unique track.

“It was good to be here and I was happy enough with his work,” he said.

Snowden said Detective, who will be ridden by Blake Shinn, would have to win and run well to warrant considering backing up in the Caulfield Guineas.

“I never thought he was quite up to that grade but he’s proven me wrong twice this preparation. I won’t mind if I’m wrong again on Friday night,” he said.

“Just the way he’s going, he’s just getting more and more relaxed to the point where you think he’s lazy.

“But if you put him with a mate and give him a squeeze, he just finds plenty. He’s got a good racing pattern, you can get up on speed and he switches off once he gets there.

“And then when horses come at him he keeps finding. That’s a great recipe if he can keep it up.”