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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Peter Snowden is confident his decision to miss the Golden Slipper with Memo was the right one and hopes it can pay dividends at Randwick on Saturday.

Trainer Peter Snowden (Pic: Bradley Photos)

A spot in the Slipper was there for Memo when she stormed to victory, her first, in the Magic Night a week before the two-year-old classic but Snowden already had one eye on the Group 2 $1m The Star Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m).

So with time to get over that win in trying conditions he says he presents a fresh horse.

“A few things came to mind before I made the call but when it was a hot day it was hard to back her up after that,’’ Snowden said.

“That was the biggest reason. She’s had a few weeks to get over it and she has.

“With her being three weeks between runs I didn’t want her too fresh, she can get keen and it takes the finish out of her.

“It was a nice little trial last Friday at Rosehill to keep her up to the mark so I’m happy with her. It’s just perfect timing for her.”

What Snowden doesn’t want in the Percy Sykes is for Memo, $9.50 with TAB on Thursday, to be near the back of the pack as she was at Rosehill.

And if she is in a more striking position the trainer is confident Memo has what it takes to play a role in the outcome.

“A midfield spot three pairs back would be the perfect spot,’’ he said.

“I don’t want to be too close and don’t want to be too far back. She made a long run the other day and got away with it but she might not be able to do the same thing on Saturday.

“She’s got a very good chance. It’s a very even race and I’m more than happy with where she is.”

Coco Jamboo is gearing up for a defence of her Hawkesbury Crown title next month when she joins Tashi in the Group 2 $300,000 Cincotta Chemist Sapphire Stakes (1200m).

The mare’s only Australian win to date was in that race last May but she showed she’s getting back on track with a closing third in the Birthday Card at Rosehill three weeks ago.

“She had a couple of indifferent runs in Brisbane but since she’s been back she’s been very consistent in her work, a great run the other day, and once she’s in the zone and racing well she holds her form,’’ Snowden said.

“She will be competitive but no doubt getting out to 1300m-1400m is what she’s looking for.

“They are in really well under set weights conditions. They are ticking over nicely and they’re both going well.”

Tashi has been freshened up since running third behind Amelia’s Jewel in the Guy Walter Stakes six weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Snowden also has a Hawkesbury target for Fearless if he can improve second-up in the Listed $200,000 Bisley Workwear South Pacific Classic (1400m).

Memo wins the Magic Night Stakes on March 15

The colt finished sixth behind Autumn Glow when resuming on Slipper Day and while drawn the outside he’s expected to make some sort of impact.

“His run wasn’t bad and it did peak about 100m out,’’ Snowden said.

“Since then he’s had a trial, a good few gallops, and has tightened up nicely. He’s done the work to run well and I hope he runs well enough to go to the Hawkesbury Guineas.”

All the fields, form and replays for Day 2 of The Star Championships at Randwick