Trainer Gerald Ryan could stretch Snitzerland’s Spring campaign to one more run if the Snitzel filly can take out the Group 1 $500,000 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington tomorrow.
If Snitzerland can make it five unbeaten runs this Spring against her own age, Ryan is not frightened to take on the older horses at weight for age in the Group 1 $1m Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington next week.
“She’d need to pull up very well for me to think about backing up,” Ryan said.
Ryan must be very pleased with Snitzerland who kicked off her Spring with a win at Rosehill in the Group 3 $125,000 Smithfield RSL Club San Domenico Stakes (1100m) on August 18 before heading to Melbourne for three more wins.
Then Snitzerland showed her liking for the Flemington straight winning her second race down the straight course in the Group 2 $220,000 Danehill Stakes (1200m) on September 8 then followed that with an all the way win in the Group 3 $150,000 TBV/Gallagher Bassett Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 28.
And the tough filly had to dig deep after being headed to fight back and win the $250,000 Catanach’s Jewellers Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 13.
“She’s had a terrific preparation, everything has fallen into place and has worked out nicely for her,” Ryan said.
“She’s bright and well, she’s worked well this week and I’m happy with her.”
“She ticks all the boxes in my opinion.”
As well as taking on Fire Thunderbolt, Lankan Rupee and Sizzling again after beating that trio at Caulfield, smart Sydney filly Nechita has arrived in Melbourne and is ready to fire after a strong jumpout win down the Flemington straight on Tuesday, pleasing trainer John Thompson.
“Very happy with that,” Thompson said.
“Horses that trial well here on the Tuesday run well on the Saturday.”
“She’s above average and we always thought she was a top line sprinter.”
Nechita has come up the early favourite in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at $3.60 just in front of Snitzerland at $4 while Sizzling is next in the betting at $4.80.
