Expensive colt to set to make debut

Peter Snowden believes $1.3 million colt Tchaikovsky can make an immediate impression when he steps out in a race for the first time in the Pierro Plate.

Tchaikovsky, by Redoute’s Choice out of Ballet Blue, was the joint sale topper at last year’s Magic Millions yearling sale at the Gold Coast when he was knocked down to James Harron Bloodstock for $1.3 million.

The colt has had two Sydney barrier trials in recent weeks ahead of Saturday’s Pierro Plate (1100m) at Randwick, finishing third in his first 745m on January 29 before a narrow, but impressive, win in his 1045m heat on Monday.

“He’s a really nice horse,” Snowden, who trains in partnership with his son Paul, said.

“This will be a good test for him. There’s a couple of seasoned horses in there that have won already but he’s a colt with good ability.

“He’s got a fantastic attitude and that’s what I like most about him.

“He’s really come on since that second trial on Monday and he looks a picture.”

The Gerald Ryan-trained colt Legend Of Condor won the Victory Vein Plate at Randwick at his only start in October and was the $2.90 favourite on Friday ahead of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Santos at $5.

Tchaikovsky was rated a $6.50 chance and will jump from the inside barrier with Glyn Schofield to ride.

“He’s drawn a good gate to get a good run,” Snowden said.

“He needs to run well but I think he’s capable of doing that.”