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By Gary Harley

Trainer Peter Snowden is confident talented colt Fearless ($1.45 favourite on TAB) can break through for his first win when he drops sharply in class to contest the Sharp Office 2yo Maiden Plate (1200m) at Newcastle on Thursday.

The son of Pierata will be an odds-on favourite after three creditable performances which have promoted him to an $11 fourth elect behind Storm Boy, Switzerland and Espionage for the Group 1, $2 million Inglis Sires' at Royal Randwick on April 6.

Fearless (Chad Schofield; dark green colours) finishes 2nd to Prost at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

He debuted in the Randwick Breeders' Plate in September and, after a bump at the start, came from third last at the 600m to storm home for fourth, a length behind Espionage and Straight Charge.

After a break and two trial wins, Fearless came from last on the turn to go down by half a length in the Group 3-Canonbury at Rosehill on February 3.

The Snowden stable then took him to Caulfield for the Blue Diamond last start on February 24, and again his run was outstanding. He was beaten 1.9 lengths after being 15th with 400m to go.

"We identified the Newcastle race for him two weeks ago and it is the perfect race for Fearless, with the set-weight conditions," said Peter Snowden who trains in partnership with his son, Paul.

"He had no luck in the Blue Diamond when shunted off the track, but he was strong late.

"Fearless has been set for the Sires' and from the good barrier with Tommy Berry aboard on Thursday he will be hard to beat.

"Paul and I also have Media World ($4.80) in the Newcastle race and we are hoping he gains a start in the Sires'.

"His run in the Merson Cooper at Caulfield in December was good, and he won a recent Randwick trial.”

Kerry Parker travels up the M1 with multiple placegetter Callistemon ($3.20 fav), which will contest the Hungerford Hill Wines Maiden Handicap (900m). The filly was placed in all four starts at Kembla and Canterbury during the spring.

She is first-up after trialing OK and will probably go back but can swoop down the long straight over the short course. Apprentice Jess Del Frari will claim 3kg and she has ridden Callistemon in the past.

The Hawkes stable's Primo ($7.50) can atone for an unlucky fourth on the Kensington Track last start when he steps out in the NZB Insurance Super Maiden Plate (1200m).

The four-year-old was well backed first-up in his second race start on the Kensington Track on October 4.

Primo drifted back to midfield during the race but in the home straight he never saw daylight and went to the line with plenty in reserve. He will go into the race without a trial.

Another which had no luck in the straight last start was Bryce Heys' four-year-old Tamaroa ($5.50 equal fav) at Gosford on February 24. He was slowly away and back on the rail, but on the tight track he could not get a clear run in the straight.

Tamaroa’s two-length third place behind Thunderlips at Warwick Farm two starts back was full of merit. He runs in The Prince of Merewether Class 1 Handicap (1400m) on Thursday.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Newcastle here