Start Key To Yulalona In Gosford Cup

With the Magic Millions news almost taking over this week we can’t forget that there’s still plenty of racing to get through before then.

Today is the Gosford Cup meeting and there’s a host of good horses making the journey in what is a very nice program.

The main event Gosford Cup is especially intriguing and on paper it’s a tough one to read.

Around half the field would be considered an on pace runner meaning tactics and jockeys will play a vital role.

The obvious assumption is that there will be a lightning pace as they all fight for the lead but so often that doesn’t eventuate with riders having been given instructions to take a sit.

What that means for someone like Peter Snowden then is a lot of what if’s and maybe as he readies his chance Yulalona.

The gelding is coming in off a last start victory at Rosehill in the Summer Cup where he won by a good margin.

He’s the type of horse that can lead but probably prefers to take a sit with a bit of cover.

It’ll be up to Kerrin McEvoy as to how hard he fights early on though as he risks either burning him out or potentially getting caught back in the pack.

His task has been made even more difficult by the wide gate draw in 11.

Snowden knows the first 400m is going to be key but says if he can get through that he’ll be a winning chance.

“There’s about five go forward leaders here so there’s going to be a lot of pace,” he said.

“He faces a tough run from his draw but if he gets the right run he’ll be there abouts.

“I’m just hoping he can find a spot somewhere where he can get a bit of a breather.”

Snowden says the horse couldn’t be in better condition and he’ll have no problems handling the drop back in distance.

“He’s fresh and I haven’t had to do much with him, he’s as fit as I’m going to get him,” he said.

“I think coming back 300m won’t hurt us, what’ll hurt is not getting the right run in the race.”

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