Backgammon On Target For Derby

Friday, 06 May 2011 07:15

Peter Snowden is set to claim his second South Australian Derby in consecutive years for Sheikh Mohammed's Darley operation with Backgammon primed for Sunday's Classic at Morphettville.

The Domesday gelding lacks the turn of foot of stablemate and last year's winner Kidnapped but the stable believes he has the staying qualities to get him across the line in the 2500m feature.

"Everything has fallen into place with him all prep," Paul Snowden, Melbourne foreman for his Sydney based father Peter, said.

"Each run he has improved and while it is his first start 2500 metres all indications are that it is going to be right up his alley."

Backgammon is backing up after a photo finish second to Kittens in last week's Chairman's Stakes (2020m). Eight of the past 20 Derby winners have finished first or second in the traditional lead up.

Snowden said Backgammon only needed a clear run to figure in the finish.

"Kidnapped was a better class of horse because he had a bit better turn of foot whereas Backgammon is a one paced stayer," Snowden said.

"You have got to put him (Backgammon) in the race at the half mile and let him keep picking up.

"He is not the sort of horse who can be held up and then expect him to sprint again."

Snowden said Backgammon had peaked for the Derby and the stable was "pretty keen to see what he can do".

"We're very happy with the horse and last week's run has really brought him on again," Snowden said.

"We can't put a lid on him now, he's jumping out of skin.

"It is just very pleasing to see him pull up that way leading in to his grand final."

VRC St Leger Stakes winner Right Of Refusal is $4 favourite for the Derby ahead of Backgammon ($6.50).

Crystal Lily is the best backed runner for the Group One Goodwood (1200m) and is a firming favourite from $6 to $4.80 ahead the Snowden-trained Pinwheel ($9) and last year's runner up Catapulted ($9).