Snowdens Shooting For Upset In Golden Rose
- Friday, 12 September 2014 07:40
Peter Snowden figured there would come a day when he saddled up a Group One runner alongside his son Paul.
He just didn't think it would come so soon.
It has been just over four months since Snowden relinquished his role as Sheikh Mohammed's head trainer to go into partnership with his son.
Trainer Peter Snowden
He admits he didn't know what to expect and is pleasantly surprised to find himself alongside his co-captain, preparing for a Group One upset with Shooting To Win in Saturday's Golden Rose.
"It's always difficult and we're lucky to have one (Group One runner) so quickly," Snowden said.
"Hopefully it's a worthwhile one."
Snowden is better placed than anyone to know the type of horse needed to win the only $1 million race of the Sydney spring.
He put the early polish on rivals Kumaon and Sarajevo during his time at Crown Lodge.
And as a three-time Golden Rose winner, Snowden boasts a record superior to that of any other trainer.
Snowden identified Shooting To Win's talent early.
The horse overcame inexperience to win his first two starts as a late-season two-year-old, performances which backed up the promise he had shown in trackwork.
But his immaturity presented a roadblock to spring success and his trainers faced the challenge of playing catch-up on more seasoned rivals.
It wasn't until Shooting To Win responded to the addition of blinkers with a Group Three placing last weekend that the Snowdens were convinced of his coming of age.
"I think he took that step last week and that franked his place in the field," Snowden said.
"It was a solid effort. It was a good, closing finish on a track he wasn't real comfortable on."
Shooting To Win is at double-figure odds to deliver Peter and Paul Snowden their maiden Group One victory as a partnership.
"It's a very tough race but I think he's going into it in probably the best order I can have him in," Snowden said.
