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By Ray Hickson

Co-trainer Peter Snowden concedes Group 1 placed mare Mirra Vision is not as effective on heavy ground as on top of it but is hopeful Scone can improve on race day for her Group 3 $200,000 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) mission.

While her Group 1 placing in the Coolmore Classic in March was on a very heavy track, Snowden said the stable targeted Scone looking for a firmer surface.

Until Thursday night it appeared they’d get one.

“On these (heavy) 9 and 10s she’s made hard work of it but has still managed to run well but if she gets back onto soft we’re in with a great chance,’’ he said.

“The track didn’t suit her at all in the Coolmore but she ran bravely.”

Mirra Vision, $10 with TAB on Friday, has 59kg to contend with in the Dark Jewel.

She hasn’t raced since finishing midfield in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) at Newcastle on March 28.

Mirra Vision runs second in the Coolmore Classic

“With this race in mind we gave her a break hopeful we can kick a goal,’’ he said.

“She’s had a freshen up and is in great order. She has a good gate to get a good run and she will make her presence felt.”

The track entering the heavy range on Friday changes the fortunes of a lot of horses and among the Snowden camp it’s a big plus for the consistent Ranges while it damages the chances of the likes of Hightail and Satin Ribbons.

Ranges has his first run from a break in the Listed $140,000 Emirates Park Luskin Star Stakes (1100m) and Snowden says he appears to have come up in great style.

“I trialled him a bit earlier because his work was a bit ordinary and I thought he might take a few trials to get him going,’’ he said.

“I put him in a hot trial and he trialled like a bomb. His work on Tuesday was very good, I worked him with a couple of smart horses and he worked well.

“A soft track will bring him right in with a light weight on his back, there’s a lot of speed there and the way he’s going it wouldn’t surprise to see him get home hard.”

The gelding won first-up in the spring and will carry just 53kg in his first attempt at stakes grade.

Snowden has Hightail on notice this preparation but he may not line up in the Listed $140,000 Scone Equine Hospital Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) unless conditions improve dramatically.

“We’ve marked him down as this is your last chance. Normally when you put that on them they run a blinder,’’ Snowden said.

“I can’t fault his work but he desperately needs a decent track, he’s got no form at all on heavy ground.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Scone meeting