The Darley juggernaut has dominated this season’s two-year-old majors and it is also hopeful Peck can storm into Queensland Derby contention in the Group Three Grand Prix Stakes at Doomben.
Peck, a Corey Brown mount in Saturday’s 2200-metre three-year-old feature, is a $10 chance in latest betting with TAB Sportsbet for the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 11.
Sydney stayer Shootoff, from the Graeme Rogerson stable, holds a firm grip on Queensland Derby favouritism following his last-start fourth to Scenic Shot in the Group One Doomben Cup last Saturday.
Peck, a son of Pivotal, was identified as a Queensland Derby prospect by trainer Peter Snowden following his third at Sandown in December after his maiden win at Bendigo the previous month.
“I thought after his Sandown run when he ran third he looked like a horse who wanted ground,” Snowden said.
“I spelled him straight away and picked out the Queensland Derby for him.”
Peck was then sent to Darley’s headquarters in Sydney and made an immediate impact, winning first-up over 1400 metres at Kembla Grange on April 16.
Peck faced the biggest test of his career so far when Snowden sent him into the Listed Rowley Mile (1600m) at Hawkesbury a fortnight later.
The colt finished a creditable fifth before earning a trip to Queensland with his last-start sixth on the Kensington track at Randwick on May 11.
“I’m really happy with the way he is going,” Snowden said.
“The Rowley Mile was a good opportunity to put him in against some good horses.
“He was a little restless in the barriers last start and as the gates opened he reared up and missed the start five to six lengths.
“But he managed to make up ground and finished off the race with some good sectionals.”
The Doomben track is currently in the dead range but rain has been forecast for race day.
“He’s very adaptable and can handle any type of surface so the track won’t worry him,” Snowden said.
Snowden has decided against a gear change with Peck after he bungled the start last outing.
“Sometimes when you go to fix a problem you can make another one,” he said.
“He’s in terrific order and probably the best I’ve had him.”
AAP TURF
