Snowden Confirms Race Plan for Promising Nitro
Trainer Peter Snowden has confirmed his strategy for promising three-year-old Nitro as the horse prepares to tackle Wednesday's meeting at Rosehill Gardens from the outside barrier. Despite the challenging draw, Snowden remains optimistic about Nitro's chances in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap over 1200 metres.
The field has been reduced to seven runners, which Snowden believes will cushion the impact of barrier seven. Nitro made an impressive debut at Warwick Farm last month, overcoming a slow start to launch a powerful finish and win narrowly but convincingly.
Race Strategy and Magic Millions Prospects
Snowden revealed he's considering two approaches for Nitro's race tactics. "If he drew a good gate we'd go forward and be in the first few but it's more likely we'll go back and ride him similar to the other day," Snowden said. "It's not a big field and hopefully he doesn't get too far back. Get him to the outside and let him brush home."
The trainer emphasized that Rosehill's long straight would suit Nitro's finishing style. Snowden also addressed Nitro's potential path to the Magic Millions carnival, noting the horse is currently behind schedule but hasn't been ruled out. "I'll be guided by what he does and how he's going," Snowden stated. "We could go steady with him, it's his first racing prep and it's a fair way to go to a seven furlong race in the middle of January."
Nitro's journey to the racetrack has been lengthy, having first appeared at official two-year-old trials in September last year before going shin sore. Snowden always had high expectations, recalling that "he's always gone well" and his trial performances indicated significant talent.
Expensive Filly Plaintiff Set for Debut
Another exciting runner from the Snowden stable making her debut is Plaintiff, a $2.2 million filly by Group 1 winner Prompt Response. The three-year-old has overcome injury concerns, requiring the removal of a subchondral cystic lesion in her right stifle.
Snowden expressed satisfaction with Plaintiff's two barrier trial performances leading into the Irresistible Pools & Spas Plate over 1200 metres. "She's got a nice gate where she can stay handy and she has a good turn of foot," Snowden said. "She's big and immature and had some growing pains early but she's been given time to mature and is fully furnished."
The trainer also provided updates on other stable runners, including Mirra Impact, who returns from a freshen-up in the TAB Handicap over 1300 metres. Snowden believes the horse isn't just a wet tracker and expects strong performances on dry ground during the Christmas racing period.
Race-by-Race Preview and Tips
Racing analyst Ray Hickson has provided detailed previews for Wednesday's Rosehill meeting, with selections based on a good track. In the featured race, Hickson identifies Nitro as the horse to beat despite the outside barrier, noting that "if he repeats the performance he'll be hard to beat."
Other highlighted runners include Big Tiger in race two, Plaintiff in race three, and Virgil's Gift in race four. Hickson suggests betting strategies for each race, including win bets for the main chances and each-way opportunities for longer-priced runners.
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