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Snowden Racing | Snowden Racing News

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Jan 2024

King of Sparta Loves the Gold Coast!

Yarraman Park bred, sold and co-owned I Am Invincible gelding King of Sparta captured the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in 2022, the Magic Millions Sprint in 2023 and returned to the Gold Coast on Saturday to do it all again scoring a commanding win in the $1million Magic Millions Snippets (1200m).The Peter and Paul Snowden trained King Of Sparta was backed as though unbeatable and proved to be exactly that. Ridden by James McDonald he showed his class to cruise clear and win by a couple of lengths in 1:08.26 seconds.Peter Snowden had some anxious moments after the start when King of Sparta had drifted back in the field, but it all came together when it mattered.“I said to J-Mac that he's better than these horses and he can afford to give them a bit of a start when you get him balanced but when he jumped and stepped like that I thought 'my God, I might have said too much there',” said Peter Snowden."But at the 600-metre mark he started to truck up and he went around them a couple of strides and he's a pretty talented horse. With the sorts of horses he's been meeting compared to today - without putting any of those horses down here today - he's been running against elite, Everest horses and running well."He thoroughly deserved the win."Someone asked this morning what we'd do after today and I said get him ready for next year."Some horses thrive on work and this horse is the opposite. The fresher he is the better and that turn-of-foot today was outstanding." A $700,000 yearling purchase for China Horse Club, Newgate Farm and Starlight Racing from Yarraman Park at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, King of Sparta was gelded after just four runs and his overall record is now seven wins and seven placings from 27 starts with prizemoney topping $3.2million. After being gelded he had a change of ownership and King Of Sparta is now raced by a syndicate headed by Yarraman Park and is the fourth foal, and best performer to date for Group III winning Holly Roman Emperor (IRE) mare Octavia, who is back in foal again to I Am Invincible.News from Breednet

Nov 2023

Unspoken takes out the Five Diamonds

Unspoken has continued his rise through the ranks this spring with the biggest victory of his career in the $2 million Five Diamonds at Rosehill. The imported Unspoken ($7.50) had been unbeaten in three starts so far this campaign on his way to Saturday’s rich race for five-year-olds, and he stepped up again to defeat a gallant Zoumon ($21) by a head. Detonator Jack ($11) closed the race off well for third, another neck away, while favourite Antino ($2.20) was slowly away and struck some traffic in the home straight before finishing 10th in the field of 14. Co-trainer Paul Snowden said five-year-old Unspoken had now acclimatised to Australia in his second campaign here and the proof of that has been in the gelding’s performances this campaign. “It’s been a really solid preparation from him, he’s unbeaten,” Snowden said. The Five Diamonds was run over 1800m but Snowden is convinced the gelding will relish racing over more ground next campaign. “He’s bred to get a lot longer than this,” Snowden said. “He probably could end up in a Caulfield Cup next year. “We pushed him out in distance last prep and this is where the acclimatisation comes in, he just wasn’t ready. “He wasn’t putting it all together on race day. At home he’s a lovely, relaxed animal but this prep has been a completely different kettle of fish.” Jockey Tom Sherry positioned Unspoken just behind the leaders before making his run in the home straight. Zoumon continued to fight on the inside but Unspoken was not to be denied, giving Sherry one of his biggest wins. “Prizemoney-wise it’s my biggest win,” Sherry said. “I’ve won a Group Two and got a great thrill out of that but this was special. “Peter and Paul keep believing in me, and giving me back the ride. “The horse was brilliant, I really enjoyed that.”

Nov 2023

Mazu due a change of fortune

It hasn’t been a smooth spring for Mazu, but co-trainer Paul Snowden is adamant the talented sprinter only needs even luck to feature in the Giga Kick Stakes at Rosehill. The Group 1 winner missed a crucial Everest lead-up when he was scratched from the Premiere Stakes on race morning after injuring himself in his box overnight. A subsequent barrier trial put his Everest preparation back on track, only for bad luck to again intervene in the race itself when he was squeezed out of a run at the top of the straight. “We didn’t get to see how well he is going in The Everest, we were coming into it nicely and the gate shut,” Paul Snowden said. “Once we missed the Premiere (Stakes), it has been a disappointing prep for us. “Everyone hasn’t seen how well he’s going because he’s going terrific and he’s a very happy horse, we just need to get a bit of luck on the day.” The first piece of luck could be a forecast for rain on Saturday as Mazu is a superior horse on wet tracks. Snowden’s other hope is that Everest winner and odds-on favourite Think About It, along with his Joe Pride-trained stablemate and Everest placegetter Private Eye, may have already peaked for the campaign. Private Eye and Mazu ran one-two in the corresponding race last year, but Snowden said his charge had come to the end of his preparation at the time, whereas this year he had something in the tank. “We found once we got to this race last year, he had run his best race in The Everest,” Snowden said. “It’s a completely different story this preparation knowing he hasn’t had those (tough) runs because of those little hiccups. “He is going as good as he can, it’s whether the others turn up. “But both of Joe’s are very tough horses and they will be hard to beat.”

Oct 2023

Chautauqua’s half-brother breaks maiden at Warwick Farm

Chautauqua’s half-brother, Need Some Luck, has impressively broken his maiden at Warwick Farm this Wednesday. Trained by the esteemed duo, Peter and Paul Snowden, the bay colt showcased a commendable racing strategy, outperforming most of the field. With jockey Ryan Maloney at the helm, the promising colt secured his first victory after being a close runner-up in his previous two races. Need Some Luck carries on the legacy of his dam, Lovely Jubly, who was a dual Group 1 winner and produced other noteworthy foals, including the Stakes winner, London Lolly. With punters eagerly watching the colt’s progression, co-trainer Peter Snowden is optimistic about his future performances. Need Some Luck jumped well in the red with most online bookmakers with Ladbrokes‘ final dividend at $1.70.

Oct 2023

King’s Gambit lands the crown in Roman Consul

Paul Snowden will almost certainly resist any temptation to back-up brilliant Roman Consul Stakes winner King’s Gambit in The Everest, but he won’t be surprised to see the colt in the $20 million sprint next year. One slot remains to be filled with Yulong yet to confirm its runner for next week and while Snowden says the final decision will rest with the three-year-old’s owners, he is preferring the Coolmore Stud Stakes an as option. “I think the best thing for the horse is to wait twelve months. Today there are 10,000 people (on track), on Everest day there is 50,000 people and that can bring him undone pre-race. “I think he will be there next year. “I would like to have a crack at the race down the straight (Coolmore).” Group 1 placed in the Golden Slipper at two, King’s Gambit has been a work in progress and the team have taken him for several race day experiences without running him to help him learn to harness his nerves. It didn’t work out first-up in Melbourne when he over-raced in front and tired to finish third, but the hard work paid off in Saturday’s Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill. Tommy Berry let King’s Gambit ($5) find his feet early and he zipped home along the inside to score by 1-3/4 lengths over Mexico ($41) with Ozzmosis ($2.45 Boombet fav) suffering his first defeat, another short head away third. Topping off the win was the fact King’s Gambit delivered it on Peter Snowden’s birthday. “We have put a lot of work into this bloke,” Snowden said. “It’s all worthwhile. We wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t think he was capable of winning like that. “If he gets it right, that is what he can do. He’s a very, very good horse. “I still feel we’ve only seen fifty per cent of what he can do.” Trainer Bjorn Baker wasn’t disappointed in Ozzmosis, who jockey Rachel King said, “was pretty naughty in the gates today”, and Baker will keep him fresh for a rematch with King’s Gambit in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) next month. “Hopefully we get him to peak there and if he does, he’s going to be right in the race,” Baker said. “He’s gone well. I would have loved a touch more time into this race from his first-up run, but he will be spot-on with a four-week break.”

Oct 2023

Sheeza Belter Sells for $1.35 million in MM Virtual Sale

Former Group One winning juvenile Sheeza Belter has sold for $1.35 million at a special Virtual Auction held on the Gold Coast today. The outstanding daughter of Gold Standard, just turned four, was purchased by Victoria’s Highway Farm after an enthralling online bidding battle before auctioneer Clint Donovan brought down his gavel. The result was celebrated by Sheeza Belter’s ownership group who were tuned into the auction from Western Australia. “It is a very nerve-wracking experience selling a horse around that level,” her original buyer and part owner Justin Warwick said. “I’m relieved that the process has been a success and I’m very happy to see where she is going and the opportunity she will have.” Sheeza Belter was purchased by Warwick for $50,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale and she kicked away her career in Perth with trainer Luke Fernie. She headed east after winning the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (RL) at Pinjarra and won the Group Two BTC Sires’ Produce Stakes before a famous win in the Group One JJ Atkins. At three she trained on to win the Group Two Hot Danish Stakes in Sydney – beating her older and more experienced rivals. “She has taken all of us on such a wonderful ride,” Warwick noted. “When you buy a horse you dream of what might be to come.” “This girl delivered on that dream. She gave us so much joy on the racetrack and we are excited about her prospects for the next stage of her journey.” “One chapter of the book has now finished but the best thing is, she will get looked after so well and be given a chance with the best stallions in the world.” “Breeding is not what us part owners do, but we can now sit back and hope that her offspring go well and we can say we played a part in that,” Warwick added. Today’s special one lot virtual sale was the first of its kind conducted by Magic Millions and has been heralded as an exciting way forward for the industry. “I believe moving forward this is the most genuine and transparent way to sell horses outside of a large auction,” Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said. “When you’re lucky enough to have the best auctioneers in the world you can create an experience for both vendor and buyer that is unparalleled.” “We are delighted with the way today’s auction played out and we look forward, when the right opportunity arises, to doing more of these in the future.” “Thanks to Justin and the ownership group for entrusting us to offer Sheeza Belter,” Bowditch added. “We’re proud to have a delivered a great result.”News from Magic Millions

Sep 2023

Time called on star Perth-owned mare

Star Perth-owned mare Sheeza Belter has been retired with managing owner Justin Warwick calling time on her outstanding racing career. The multiple stakes winner ran her final race in Sydney last Saturday when she failed to beat a runner home in the G2 Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill. “She won’t race again,”Justin Warwick said. “She’ll get auctioned off by Magic Millions in the next 10 days. “She’s had enough and is ready for the next stage of her life basically. “We probably knew this was going to be her last preparation. “She’s too valuable and obviously owes us nothing. “There has been a fair amount of interest in her anyhow, people approaching us. “With the breeding season here and obviously the northern hemisphere starts in January. “There’s a lot of interest in her and she’ll be auctioned in the next 10-days.” Bred by Mt Hallowell Stud, Sheeza Belter failed to make her $50,000 reserve at the Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale before being sold to Warwick. The daughter of Gold Standard started her racing life in Perth, winning the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pinjarra in brilliant fashion, coming from near last. She then followed up scoring multiple stakes wins for Sydney co-trainers Peter and Paul Snowden claiming a career-best in the G1 JJ Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm. She also claimed G2 victories in the Sires’ Produce (1400m) at Eagle Farm and the Hot Danish (1400m) at Rosehill, jockey William Pike partnering in both wins and the J.J.Atkins. Sheeza Belter, who had her final run for Annabel Neasham, ends her racing career with five wins and three placings from 14 starts and close to $2 million in stake earnings.

Jun 2023

Stradbroke day is a busy one!

Saturday is one of the busiest days this year for the stable with 19 runners set to take their place in races across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Stradbroke day is always a big day for the stable and this year is no different with 10 runners at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Heman and Queen of Dragons aren't to be overlooked in the Oxlade; Ranges needs to overcome an awkward barrier to claim the Hinkler for the second year running; Huetor heads to the Q22 hoping to round out a terrific winter campaign with another win; Make A Call and Snapback look to break their maidens in the Group 1 JJ Atkins, won last year by our very own Sheeza Belter; and with the Tattersall's Tiara only two weeks away, the ladies are out in force in the Group 2 Dane Ripper. Make sure you head to The Roar Racing to read our stable mail on all 19 runners, including Paul's best bet and best value runner!

May 2023

Huetor defies the odds

It was an emotional day on Saturday with Huetor claiming the Doomben Cup for the second year in a rowAfter emerging victorious in last years Doomben Cup, Huetor was noticeably absent from the Spring after suffering a serious eye injury. So serious, we weren't sure if he had run his last race. Thanks to a talented team of vets, the staff here at Randwick and the patience of his owners Huetor returned to racing late last year with another Queensland Carnival campaign in mind.It may have been a year between wins for Huetor but we are hoping his business in Queensland isn't finished just yet. We will let Huetor tell us how he is feeling in the coming days but The Q22 looks to be calling his name.Huetor may be the victory everyone is talking about but we can't forget to mention stable apprentice Reece Jones bringing home a double at Randwick aboard Devil's Throat and Miss Hellfire. It was terrific to see Miss Hellfire return to the winners circle after over a year with stable mate California Surreal making it a Snowden Quinella in the last.

May 2023

It's Group One season in Queensland

As the weather gets colder in Sydney, we turn our sights to sunny Queensland for the Winter Carnival. We enjoyed great success last year and hope for a repeat performance this year. We have a talented team heading north and we encourage you to head to The Roar Racing to check out where you can see some of our runners pop up over the carnival including some key Group One targets… Mazu – Doomben 10,000 (Saturday May 13, Doomben) Huetor – Doomben Cup (Saturday May 20, Doomben) King of Sparta – Kingsford Smith Cup (Saturday May 27, Eagle Farm) The Englishman – Queensland Derby (Saturday May 27, Eagle Farm) Mirra Vision, Sheeza Belter & Revolutionary Miss – Tattersall’s Tiara (Saturday June 24, Eagle Farm)

Apr 2023

Snowden teams up with The Roar Racing

In exciting news, the stable has teamed up with The Roar to bring you our stable mail for each of our Wednesday and Saturday runners.Be sure to head to The Roar Racing site and keep an eye on our social media pages to get our thoughts on each of our runners, including Paul's best bet and best value runner of the day!

Apr 2023

Mazu fighting fit for All Aged Stakes distance test

Peter Snowden has put a bridle on his share of top horses, but he can’t ever recall having a better wet track galloper than Mazu. While several trainers are keeping an anxious eye on the weather ahead of Saturday’s All Aged Stakes (1400m), Snowden is content in the knowledge Mazu will relish any category of rain-affected surface. “He’s probably the best wet tracker I’ve ever had,” Snowden said. “He is so comfortable in the ground, it’s incredible how well he handles it. The wetter the better, it makes no difference to him at all.” Not only should Mazu get track conditions to suit, the four-year-old is also improving in fitness. After resuming with a solid fifth to In Secret in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington, he was a brave third behind I Wish I Win and Giga Kick in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) when he was overhauled late by the backmarkers. “He got past Nature Strip and I think he thought the job was done but there were two more flying down the outside. I had to be pleased with his run,” Snowden said. “I always make our main race third or fourth run of the prep. Even though he’s a very good trackworker and he runs well, he really does come to hand third and fourth-up, and last year fifth-up he won a (Doomben) 10,000. “Because he races a very tough way, it takes a little bit of racing to get him rock-hard fit and he’s not far off the mark now.” The one query for Mazu is the 1400m journey. His only start beyond 1200m was in last year’s Winner’s Stakes (1300m) when he finished second to Saturday’s All Aged Stakes rival Private Eye. Snowden says the only way to find out Mazu’s distance limits is to test them, but his gut feel is the horse will handle it. “You don’t know until you run them, but I’ve always thought he’s got a really good action, it’s very economical,” Snowden said. “And you can hold him up now, he’s not a one-trick pony who just jumps and runs. You can rate him and I think that gives him a good chance to run out a good seven (furlongs).” Snowden will get through this weekend before deciding if Mazu heads to Brisbane to defend his Doomben 10,000 title ahead of another shot at The Everest in the spring.Credit: https://www.justhorseracing.com.au/Photo: Ashlea Brennan Photography

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