Helmet holds on to win the AJC Sires Produce Stakes

The 2011 AJC Sires Produce Stakes has gone to Peter Snowden with Helmet holding on in front for the length of the straight.

There were no signs of the barrier troubles which have plagued his young career and he jumped from the gates with good early speed.

A few weeks ago he was a real Golden Slipper chance but he played up in the barriers and was scratched from a lead up race before then failing in a jump out trail a few days later.

In the AJC Sires Produce Stakes though he settled second behind Uate and the pair held up the pace early on which was always going to make it difficult for the horses further back in the field.

As they rounded the bend they were bunched with Uate and Helmet in front joined by Do You Think with Fast And Sexy and Elite Falls on the inside.

Halfway down the straight though Helmet took the lead from Uate and Do You Think couldn’t match them and was blocking any hope of a run for Elite Falls.

Helmet held his spot all the way to the line with Uate battling on strongly for second on the inside with Pane In The Glass flying home late to claim third spot.

It’s a great result for Peter Snowden who always had faith in the horse despite him still being very green and doing a few things wrong.

From here they plan to come back to Randwick for the Champagne Stakes to finish off the Autumn season.

When spring rolls around the Caulfield Guineas is a likely option provided he can keep keep composed on race day.