Luke Nolen has first refusal for the ride on Snitzerland this spring when the mare chases an elusive Group One win.
Managing owner Neil Werrett, who has a long association with Nolen through the deeds of Black Caviar, is keen to lock in the jockey for Snitzerland’s Melbourne campaign in the Moir Stakes and Manikato Stakes.
Snitzerland’s trainer Gerald Ryan said Werrett would talk to Peter Moody to determine what commitments Nolen had to his stable.
Beaten only by Pierro in the 2012 Golden Slipper, Snitzerland won four Group races during her three-year-old season and ran second to Bel Sprinter in the Galaxy.
She will be aimed at the major sprints in the spring and autumn with a view to a possible trip to Royal Ascot next year.
“Neil is keen for Luke to ride,” Ryan said.
“We should know early this week whether he can.
“The mare will probably trial on the 13th then head to Melbourne. She may only have two starts or possibly three this spring.
“I’m very happy with how she has come back and we will keep her fresh and run her in the Moir and the Manikato and see what happens.”
Ryan is known for his affinity with the progeny of Snitzel who he trained to win the 2006 Oakleigh Plate and has high hopes for Snitzerland’s stablemate Flying Snitzel.
“She will run in a barrier trial on Monday with a view to resuming in the Sheraco on Saturday week then she will probably go to Melbourne,” Ryan said.
“The Myer Classic is what we have in mind if her form warrants it.
“She appears really good to me so I’m hoping she can get back to her best.”
Flying Snitzel’s best includes a Group Three win in the Kewney Stakes at Flemington over Norzita in March and another over Dear Demi in the Schweppes as a two-year-old.
