Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Trainer Paul Snowden fears inexperience may bring Neutrality undone at his debut at Rosehill on Saturday but is adamant the youngster is full of talent.

The $400,000 colt is from what Snowden describes as a "fast family" and one he’s had a bit of experience with harking back to the "Ingham days" and a horse called Tornadoes.

That horse is Neutrality’s half-brother and, ironically, he made his debut on November 4 in 2008 - nine years ago to the day Neutrality will step out for the first time in the West Tradies Plate (1100m).

The Snowden stable has already produced a few smart two-year-olds this spring, including recent winner Legislation, and he said Neutrality is still a bit on the raw side.

“He has a lot of natural ability and he showed that in his trial at Wyong,’’ Snowden said.

“He's a bit more untapped than Legislation, this horse is still getting to where he needs to be mentally. All the same he's shown he has some ability.’’

Neutrality wins his trial at Wyong - October 23

Neutrality opened at $2.60 with TAB and was outright favourite at that quote on Thursday.

The colt won an 845m trial at Wyong on October 23 and while it might seem strange that the Snowdens would travel there to trial a horse it’s far from unprecedented.

“Last year we took a heap of two-year-olds up there a few times and the circumstance presented itself to do the same,’’ he said.

“Hopefully he is savvy enough to do most things right, which he seemed to do in the trial.

“Assess him on his effort on Saturday but we are expecting a forward showing.’’

It might pay to keep an eye on whatever horse wins the West Tradies Plate - over the last three years the corresponding two-year-old race has thrown up a bona fide star.

Cast your mind back 12 months when Champagne Cuddles downed Ace High – that’s this spring’s Flight Stakes runner-up beating the Spring Champion Stakes winner and leading Victoria Derby chance.

A year earlier a filly called Yankee Rose scored on debut at $31 and back in 2014 when, at $81, Single Gaze kicked off her career with a win. She’s running in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup.

Snowden said last start Randwick winner My Country could be on trial for a black type start when she tackles the Bradford Soundscreen Handicap (1200m).

The four-year-old came from the second half of the field to score and the Snowdens are sticking with the formula that won that race, staying at the same trip with Andrew Adkins claiming 1.5kg.

“We didn't want to drag back that far so that added a lot of merit to her effort,’’ he said.

“We're going to concentrate on sticking to six furlongs, we tried to stretch her to 1400m but she just doesn't run it.’’

Stablemate Astara finished last in the same race at her first run from a spell and Snowden is predicting an improved run on Saturday in the Bradford Solar Handicap (1400m).

“She had to go back so from a better draw if she jumps well hopefully she can be a bit handier,’’ he said.

“And she definitely wants firmer footing.’’

Check out all the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Rosehill Gardens meeting