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By Ray Hickson

Lightly raced galloper Hopper is giving trainer Peter Snowden similar vibes to when he trained his mother a decade ago so his hopes are high the gelding can take another step forward at Randwick on Saturday.

Trainer Peter Snowden (Pic: Bradley Photos)

Hopper has only raced four times, he notched his maiden win first-up this preparation before chasing home subsequent winner Mickey’s Medal at Rosehill three weeks ago.

His mother Artistry developed into a multiple Group 3 winner and placed up to Group 2 level and Snowden said Hopper is trending the same way.

“She was a late three-year-old when I picked her up but she went bang straight away, she got to a good level,’’ Snowden said.

“This fellow is doing the same thing now. He’s heading toward his four-year-old time he’s coming into his own now.

“He’s only starting to put it together and there’s definitely more to come.”

The three-year-old is potentially being aimed at the Group 3 Winx Guineas next month so Snowden would like to see him win the QMS Media Handicap (1600m) to make the case that he’s ready now for stakes company.

“It’s on the table but he needs to win and win well to warrant going there, it’s a Group 3 race and will be a solid race but I think he is a progressive horse,’’ he said.

A decision to save Hopper, $5 with TAB on Friday, for Randwick sits well with Snowden as had he run at Rosehill last week he’d have been dropping in distance after going to 1500m second-up.

And with some early scratchings he said the barrier looks more appealing and stepping to the mile should allow him to land in a more striking position.

“He’s going particularly well, he’s definitely a better horse this time in than last time, he’s a stronger version of himself but also more confident,’’ he said.

“He’s really stretching out and hitting the line well in his work. I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes.

“I think at mile speed he should be right behind the speed, he should be in the first half dozen anyway.

“He’s only been getting back in shorter races when they’re going quick.”

Some thought will be given to where stablemate Sakima resumes, she’s engaged in the Quayclean Handicap (1100m) and also at Kensington on Wednesday.

The filly only had the one run last preparation and after a mishap in her first trial Snowden said she’s ready to run well when she resumes.

“She had an injury on the track, she slipped over, and had to go out that’s why she only had the one run,’’ he said.

Hopper runs second at Rosehill on May 31

“In her first trial she went down on her nose and it was a non-event but her second trial was good the other day.

“Her fresh form is good, I have her in Wednesday as well so I want to go through the form and see where she’s best placed.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Randwick meeting