Snowdens' First Filly Breaks Maiden
- Wednesday, 26 August 2015 08:25
Peter and Paul Snowden's first yearling acquisition after going into partnership has broken through for a fighting maiden win at Warwick Farm.
Self Esteem was a $170,000 yearling which the Snowdens bought after ending their association with Darley at the end of autumn last year.
The filly led the four-horse field in Wednesday's Cellarbrations Handicap (1600m) and put a length on her rivals as they entered the straight.
More Than Fabulous ($2) hit the lead at the 200m only for Self Esteem ($3) to fight back on the inside for a tough short neck win.
Co-trainer Peter Snowden said it was a tenacious performance from the filly by Stratum.
"She's probably no superstar at the moment but she keeps on improving, she's got that great will to win," Snowden said.
"All her runs have been similar, she hits a flat spot but can sustain a pretty strong run."
The filly is raced by Bob Ingham's daughter Debbie Kepitis.
Snowden trained for Ingham's Woodlands Stud before the family patriarch sold the racing and breeding operation Sheikh Mohammed.
Metallic Crown made it a race-to-race double for Ingham-owned horses, winning the TAB Place Multi Handicap in the family's famous all cerise silks.
It was a major turnaround from Metallic Crown's last start two weeks ago when he was beaten as a $1.28 favourite.
Trainer Chris Waller said he was unsure what had changed since the colt's last outing, but hoped it wasn't solely a product of the heavy track.
"I was embarrassed to say I thought he'd be one of our better three-year-olds," Waller said.
"I can say it with a little bit of respect today.
"He's a nice, docile colt that hasn't quite worked it out so hopefully that'll help the penny drop."
Waller said he would now look to take Metallic Crown through the grades.
The premier trainer made it an early double when Rockolicious took out the Tab.com.au Handicap.
Leg issues disrupted the four-year-old's early career but she has now won two of her past three starts to earn a shot at Saturday company.
