Dubai’s loss is Peter Snowden’s gain.
The trainer revealed Saturday’s Silk Stocking winner Detours was among a group of Darley-owned horses scheduled to race in Dubai last year.
“There was a last-minute change of mind and she stayed with us and I’m glad she did because she’s a very honest mare,” Snowden said.
“She’s in for a good prep and although it was a slender margin it was still a good win.”
Detours ($6) gave Snowden and jockey Damian Browne back-to-back wins in the Silk Stocking (1200m) at the Gold Coast when she overhauled Karuta Queen to win by a short neck 12 months after Mascareri won the Listed race.
Snowden was back at the races after enjoying an all too rare holiday at Port Douglas in North Queensland following last Saturday’s meeting at Randwick.
“If that’s what a holiday does for you I might have take a few more,” he said.
“The break was good for me but I love what I do and that’s being here at the races with my team of horses.”
Detours will remain in Brisbane for the winter carnival but Snowden is unlikely to target the Group One Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm in June.
“Her right level is around Group Three or maybe Group Two because she’s not quite up to Group One company,” he said.
“I’ll keep her fresh and run in her about a month’s time in the Dane Ripper Stakes.
“She’s no world beater but she’s very honest and puts in all the time which is all you can ask.”
Snowden singled out Browne for praise after he brought Detours with a well-timed finish to emulate the win of Mascareri in last year’s Silk Stocking.
“Damian’s a very underrated rider and I use him whenever I can,” he said.
Browne said Detours was suited by the fast pace set by Karuta Queen who made a brave attempt to lead all the way.
“I didn’t want to be too positive out of the gates because I knew the pace would be hot,” he said.
“Just after straightening she hit a flat spot but her class prevailed in the last 100 metres.”
