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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Peter Snowden says there’s plenty of potential in lightly raced fillies Amreekiyah and La Roja as they kick off fresh campaigns at Canterbury on Wednesday and would like to think it’s the last time they’ll appear at a midweek program.

Trainer Peter Snowden (Pic: Steve Hart)

Amreekiyah is unbeaten in two provincial starts and makes her city debut in the Broadsiding @ Darley Handicap (1250m) on the back of a barrier trial win at Hawkesbury.

Snowden said he’s seen a good level of improvement in the Justify filly since her all the way win at Newcastle back in March.

“She’s grown, bigger and stronger all over,’’ he said.

“She changed a lot last prep but she’s grown up again. She did need furnish a bit, I’m glad we stopped when we did because she’s certainly benefited.”

While Snowden is confident Amreekiyah, $2.40 with TAB on Tuesday, has taken the steps he wanted to see since her first campaign he’s a little cautious ahead of her first-up run.

That has nothing to do with her potential, given she’s by Justify and a half-sister to 2000m Group 2 winner Yaletown he says there’s scope for her to reach a middle distance.

“She’s a quality filly and she’ll be better again when she gets out over a mile and probably further,’’ he said.

“It could be a little short for her but she’s still very fresh and early in her prep. We have a good draw there so I’d be expecting her to run well.”

La Roja has been exposed to stakes company twice in her five starts and resumes in the Private Life @ Coolmore Handicap (1250m) having run fourth in the Canberra Guineas in March.

She was a maiden winner first-up last preparation and like her stablemate has pleased Snowden with her development since returning to work.

“She’s raced in some good races last time in and ran well,’’ he said.

“Some good form has come out of those races and some handy horses finished just in front of her.

“She’s developed and she’s improved all over, her work is better and she’s more focused in her work as well. She was always a little light.

“I’ve been very happy with her trials so I’m expecting a good run from her.”

The filly’s latest trial saw her run second behind With Your Blessing with stablemate Tuileries just behind her in third.

Snowden said he’s looking forward to seeing Extra Heights make his debut at either in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale Handicap (1200m) at Canterbury or at Wyong on Thursday.

The Extreme Choice colt drew the inside barrier at Wyong which may encourage Snowden to wait an extra day but he’s expecting a competitive showing in either race.

Amreekiyah wins a Hawkesbury trial on July 7

“He’s still very immature but he’s got some talent,’’ he said.

“It was no shock to see him trial as well as he did and he’s come on again since that trial.”

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday’s Canterbury meeting