Rarefied is a genuine Winterbottom Stakes contender for Peter Snowden

We’ve followed his trip across to Perth closely all week and things continue to fall into place for the Peter Snowden trained Rarefied for the 2011 Winterbottom Stakes.

The gelding had a break of around 16 months after going lame in April of 2010 but after two impressive runs in late October he has shaped as a genuine Winterbottom contender.

Snowden travelled to Perth earlier in the week to personally oversee his work and will return tomorrow morning full of expectation.

“He travelled exceptionally well…did a nice bit of work on Tuesday and has pulled up very well from that,” he said.

“He’s come off a really long break and had a slow log rehab time to get him back.

“He looks in great order, his first run was very good at Randwick and I thought his run at Flemington was outstanding.”

The question around Rarefied were always going to be in terms of fitness after such a long absence but going into the Winterbottom Stakes things are virtually perfect.

“I’m happy third up here and with the amount of work he’s had here I’m very happy for Saturday,” Snowden said.

The team had to have faith from the start to persist with the horse through his adversity but they did so knowing the best could be yet to come in his career.

“The horse has still got a lot to offer, being a half brother to Beaded he’ll probably be at his best this preparation or the next,” he said.

As for the Ascot track there were no issues apparent during the breakfast with the stars session.

“No problem for him, he got around it no problem whatsoever,” Snowden said.

Rarefied has barrier seven in the race and form there he’ll try and squeeze himself into a spot with cover just off the rails.

“He should be able to find a nice spot just off the speed,” Snowden said.

Rarefied is the second pick for the 2011 Winterbottom Stakes with fellow traveller Ortensia the current favourite.