Peter Snowden, head trainer for Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley operation, will take time out from his busy schedule to make an annual pilgrimage to Muswellbrook for a special family occasion on Friday.
Central to Snowden and his wife Lyn’s trip is the running of the Greg Cribb Memorial Red Crown 2YO.
Snowden will saddle up debutante Exceed And Excel filly Shiso in the 900m scamper.
The race is named in honour of Lyn Snowden’s brother, tragically killed in a car accident at Branxton around six years ago.
Snowden claimed the 2009 and 2010 versions with Shakes and Pictogram respectively.
“The family goes up every year,” Snowden said.
“I try and take a couple of horses and find a two-year-old, hopefully that’s got a chance, in the race named after Greg (Cribb).”
The 54-year-old began his training career in Scone more than two decades ago.
Emotions are again certain to run high if Shiso can make it a hat-trick of wins for Snowden.
The filly, to be ridden by Darryl McLellan, is coming off a second to Champalou in a 900m Rosehill barrier trial on March 1, when beaten less than a length.
“She’s only a little thing but goes okay,” Snowden said.
“Her trial was pretty good.
“I’m happy with her going into the race.”
Shiso has drawn ideally in barrier four.
Snowden, who prepares Blue Diamond winner and dominant Golden Slipper favourite Sepoy who lines up at Rosehill on Saturday, has enjoyed a highly successful season with Darley juveniles.
Shiso doesn’t rank in the top echelon at this stage, but Snowden earmarked the Greg Cribb Memorial for the filly some time back.
Snowden will also saddle up Applauded (race one) and Rhetoric (race five) on the nine-race program.
“Just average horses, they’re there for experience and helping make up the float load. The main race (Greg Cribb Memorial) is our best chance,” Snowden said.
AAP TURF