Beautifully bred colt Snapback has been scratched from the Hollindale Stakes meeting in Queensland to run at Gosford, but he could yet make a winter carnival appearance.
Plans to head to Saturday’s Group 3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at the Sunshine Coast were quashed when he drew barrier 17 and he will instead go around from gate two in an open two-year-old race closer to home.
A victory there would secure him a trip to Queensland where he has been nominated for the BTC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 27 and the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) two weeks later.
“That good draw was gold compared to the 17 he got at the Sunshine Coast so it was a no brainer to keep him here,” co-trainer Peter Snowden said.
“He’s still a maiden running in Saturday class but he’s a bit better than that we feel.
“He’s on trial for a Brisbane trip but he needs to be probably winning on Saturday to warrant the trip.”
While Snapback is yet to win in two starts, both runs have been fully of merit.
He beat all but subsequent Sweet Embrace Stakes winner Lazzago on debut at Randwick in December, then fought on gamely to finish third at Warwick Farm last month despite a torrid run from a wide draw.
Snowden has been pleased with his progress and is keen to see what the colt can produce in Saturday’s Thymely Food Co 2YO Handicap (1200m).
“Last start he went forward, then went back and had to make a wide run. There was good merit in his run and he has certainly trained on well,” Snowden said.
“From the good gate he’ll race handy and I’m anticipating a forward run from him on Saturday.”
An $825,000 yearling purchase, Snapback is a sister to Arrowfield Stud Stakes second placegetter Wee Nessy and will be ridden at Gosford by Brett Prebble.
