Father-son training duo Peter and Paul Snowden will try to cap their golden autumn carnival with a win in the ATC Australian Oaks.
After Capitalist gave them a Golden Slipper triumph, they now will rely on Happy Hannah and Self Esteem for victory in the carnival’s classic for fillies.
Happy Hannah is a $4.60 second favourite for the Oaks after placing in the 2000m Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
“The run was excellent,” Paul Snowden said.
“Going forward into an Oaks it’s just what you want to see.”
Since that run, Snowden is confident the filly has shown improvement as she builds towards the peak of her preparation in the Oaks.
“She’s trained on well, she’s drawn a middle gate, it’s a big field, she handles (rain-affected) conditions – she’s got a lot going for her,” Snowden said.
The Snowdens’ other runner Self Esteem was fourth in the Vinery, a half length behind her stablemate.
She was a $41 chance that and a $35 quote for the Oaks, but the strong performance last time didn’t shock Snowden.
“She’s come through the lesser class of grade into the Vinery and to see her run so well didn’t surprise us at all,” he said.
Snowden said Self Esteem would aim to be on the speed and rates her a chance if jockey Mark Zahra can control the tempo.
“It’s a little bit of unknown territory, but she’s tough as nails and she’ll be there for a long way,” Snowden said.
“I think it’s vital Mark gets her sectionals right.”
The Ciaron Maher-trained Jameka retains $3.50 favouritism after her second placing in the ATC Australian Derby.
The third line of betting is occupied by three New Zealanders, with Capella, Valley Girl and Sofia Rosa all $8 chances for the Oaks.
