Snapper will continue an unorthodox path to the Queensland Derby when the three-year-old tackles weight-for-age company in the Eagle Farm Cup.
Snapper was a solid fourth to Col ‘N’ Lil in a 2000m benchmark race at Doomben two weeks ago.
The gelding, by 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, is 20th in the order of entry for the Derby but should make the field.
Trainer John Morrisey decided against running Snapper in last Saturday’s traditional Derby preview, the Grand Prix Stakes.
“It isn’t the biggest field on Saturday and if he can pick up some prize money it might get him into the Derby,” Morrisey said.
He had originally planned to run Snapper in a restricted-class race at the Gold Coast on Saturday but is worried about the weather.
“They are predicting heavy rain and I didn’t want to take the chance of a wash-out. But even if both meetings go ahead I am leaning towards starting Snapper at Eagle Farm,” Morrisey said.
Ryan Wiggins will ride Snapper while apprentice Josh Oliver has retained the ride on Col ‘N’ Lil.
Oliver produced a faultless ride when Col ‘N’ Lil won at Doomben at her last start and trainer Ben Currie believes the young rider deserves a chance against elite company.
“No one could have ridden Col `N’ Lil better last time and Josh knows her very well. He will get the job done,” Currie said.
