Promising colt France’s laid-back nature on the training track means race day is likely to provide the best read on where he fits in trainers Peter and Paul Snowden’s rich talent pool.
Paul Snowden said Saturday’s three-year-old handicap over 1400m at Rosehill would be a solid test for France who broke his maiden first-up at Canterbury on November 30.
“He’s a little bit unassuming because he’s such a laid-back horse,” Snowden said.
“You can’t sort of put a peg on him as far as improvement.
“He’ll definitely be marking his card after Saturday.”
France dug in deep to win at his second career start after being bumped in the closing stages as he battled it out with El Venetian.
Out of that race, Harper’s Choice and Thaad who finished third and fifth respectively have subsequently won to boost the form.
“Like with all horses, you want to see him bounce of the good first-up run and improve into the next,” Snowden said.
“He’s a nice horse, he’s always had that ability so it wasn’t any shock to us.”
Following the win France won a barrier trial at Randwick on December 13.
“He’s such a laid-back horse he’s definitely going to get more out of a trial than what he would at home in a few hard gallops,” Snowden said.
France is a full-brother to Group One-winning mare Peeping who died from a colic attack earlier in the year.
Peeping’s owners the Kelly family have a share in France, a $475,000 yearling bought by China Horse Club and Newgate Farm and raced in partnership with Matthew Sandblom’s Horse Ventures.
The colt is by champion sire Redoute’s Choice out of Group performer Miss Marielle.
Godolphin gelding Achi Baba is the $2.60 favourite after running second to classy filly Zumbelina at Rosehill on December 10 while the Gerald Ryan-trained Pipeline is second pick at $3.70.
France is on the third line of betting at $5.50.
Snowden said the direction of France’s preparation would be determined by his performance on Saturday.
