Ravi to be set for Autumn Campaign after Just Now Handicap win

Co-trainer Peter Snowden believes that Ravi can develop into a top class mare and will give her the chance against better company in the Autumn after winning the Listed $100,000 Canadian Club Just Now Handicap (1300m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday.

Ravi, above winning at Rosehill in  June, will be set for an Autumn Carnival Campaign. Photo by Steve Hart.

Ravi, above winning at Rosehill in June, will be set for an Autumn Carnival Campaign. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy settled Ravi ($2.25 favourite) midfield before finding his way to the middle the track in the straight and the Redoute’s Choice mare showed her class with a runaway win over Unequivocal ($6.50) and Sheiswhatsheis ($17).

Snowden, who trains in partnership with his son Paul, said that Ravi disappointed him when fifth in the Listed $150,000 MSS Security Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day but her previous run when fourth in the Group 3 $150,000 Cape Grim Beef Steaks (1200m) at Caulfield on October 8 was okay.

“She deserved that win. She’s always shown good ability,” Snowden said.

“She was disappointing at Flemington but her Caulfield run was excellent.

“It’s time to go now and she’ll be prepared for the autumn and maybe back here for the winter.”

Snowden had planned to send Ravi to the paddock after her Flemington run but she bounced back quickly and showed that she was ready to be given one more chance before a spell with a win in 1050m Randwick barrier trial on November 29 and she was at her best to record a three and a quarter lengths win in the Just Now Handicap.

“I intended to give her a break after the spring and took her back home,” Snowden said.

“I was thinking about the autumn with her but she blossomed so I thought there was another run in her.

“I was going to run her up here a fortnight ago but she drew 18. She’s a Redoute’s Choice filly and if you can get a good one they normally go on.

“She just might be the one.”

Ravi is the winner of five of her eleven starts and last Saturday’s winning cheque of $64,000 took her overall earnings to $283,520.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.