Gai Waterhouse has some thinking to do after two-year-old Nobby Snip highlighted his potential with an impressive all-the-way win at Rosehill on Saturday.
Waterhouse has the option of pressing on to the Brisbane winter carnival with the son of Snippetson, but by doing so it would eat into the time she has to prepare the gelding for the $1 million Group One Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill in September.
“I’m not sure what I’ll do,” Waterhouse said.
“It’s something for me to think about tonight.
“He may go to Queensland (for the Group One TJ Smith Stakes) but more than likely he’ll go to the paddock and come back for the early races in the spring. If you blink it will be spring soon and he’ll need a break at some stage.”
Nobby Snip took his record to two wins and a second from three starts when he showed his rivals a clean set of heels in the Masterton Homes Handicap (1400m), defeating the fast-finishing Cocky Raider by a length with two lengths to Hendricus in third.
Waterhouse’s number two stable rider Tommy Berry bounced Nobby Snip ($2.80 fav) to the front from his inside barrier and the youngster held a healthy advantage mid race.
Berry asked the gelding for another effort once they straightened and Nobby Snip responded to put the result beyond doubt.
Second favourite Cocky Raider ($4.40) was on trial for next month’s Group One TJ Smith Stakes (1600m) and despite letting down strongly on the outside was unable to reel in the winner.
Waterhouse said the Golden Rose over the same course and distance as Saturday’s race in the spring was an ideal target for Nobby Snip.
“Most definitely, this is a very nice horse in the making,” Waterhouse said.
“He’s a nice unassuming horse, typical of his sire Snippetson and he’s tough as teak.”
AAP TURF
