A gelding procedure appears to be doing the trick for talented juvenile King Of Sparta, who can put his hand up as a spring carnival candidate with another good performance at Rosehill.
The son of I Am Invincible ran well in some quality races during the autumn, including a fourth to Home Affairs in the Silver Slipper when he was beaten less than two lengths.
But connections felt he had much more to offer and the decision was made to geld him.
King Of Sparta resumed with a slashing first-up victory on the Kensington track earlier this month and will be bidding to make it two in a row in Saturday’s Elite Sand & Soil Handicap (1200m).
Co-trainer Peter Snowden can already see a huge change in the youngster’s attitude and hopes it continues to be reflected on the racetrack.
“Since he’s been gelded he has been a different horse,” Snowden said.
“He’s always had talent but I think it will be the making of him. I think you’ll see a much more genuine horse this time.
“He is certainly capable of getting some black type so we will get through Saturday and go from there.”
Snowden is also keen on the prospects of Stellar Pauline in the City Tattersall’s Club Handicap (1200m).
After claiming the scalp of highly-touted filly April Rain at Gosford three starts ago, Stellar Pauline campaigned interstate where she followed an unplaced effort in the Listed Helen Coughlan Stakes in Brisbane with a midfield result in Listed grade at Flemington where she finished a length from the winner Free To Move.
Snowden has been happy with her recent form and believes she is knocking on the door to win another race.
“She’s been home for a few weeks and I’ve spaced her runs to give her time to get over the travelling. She is ready to run well on Saturday,” he said.
