Peter Snowden will rely on emerging talent Raging Force after scratching filly Memo from the San Domenico Stakes and is excited for the three-year-old’s return to Group company.
One of the finds of the winter, Raging Force strung together a hat-trick of wins, culminating in an impressive performance at Rosehill in early July which had prompted bookmakers to install him an early favourite for Saturday’s Group 3 sprint.
His only other start was in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m) in October when he was injured during the race, putting him out of play for the Sydney autumn carnival races.
He gets his chance to make up for lost time this spring, starting at Rosehill which will be a stepping stone towards a potential tilt at next month’s Golden Rose (1400m).
“It’s a good test for him. He is going to meet some decent horses on Saturday,” Snowden said.
“I couldn’t be happier with him and I was really happy with his trial the other day. He seems a genuine horse and his three wins have all been in different scenarios. All solid. His last win was very good and the time was very good.
“I think he is a pretty handy horse but we’ll know more about him after Saturday.
“If he runs well, we’ll go to The Run To The Rose and that well tell us whether we go Golden Rose.”
The San Domenico Stakes (1100m) has attracted some of the best juvenile colts and geldings of last season including Golden Slipper runner-up Wodeton, Blue Diamond Stakes winner Devil Night and Skyline Stakes winner Rivellino, who was arguably the luckless runner in the Slipper when flashing home for fourth.
All are set to resume in the race and Snowden admits the field is difficult to line up but says Raging Force’s adaptability should carry him a long way.
“He can handle wet. He can handle dry. He can lead. He can sit off them,” he said.
“He’s just got most boxes ticked. Hopefully he’s got the ability one ticked after Saturday.”
Memo was scratched from the race in preference for a Rosehill barrier trial on Thursday in which she finished second to stablemate Fire Star over 1030m.
Snowden said she was likely to kick off on Saturday week with options in Sydney and Melbourne.
