Luck of the draws better for Snowden hopes

Co-trainer Paul Snowden believes better barriers will allow Gold Symphony and Snippets Land to threaten in Listed Winter Challenge, after awkward gates undermined their previous run at Rosehill.

“The boys didn’t see daylight at all but they went to the line full of running,” Snowden said.

Gold Symphony and Snippets Land drew 10 and eight respectively in the Winter Stakes and both laid out during the race before finishing 11th and ninth respectively behind the Jason Coyle-trained Slightly Sweet.

Snowden, who trains in partnership with his father Peter, was relieved when Gold Symphony – the $4.20 TAB early favourite – and Snippets Land ($12) came up with gates three and six in the 11-strong field for Saturday’s 1500m-feature.

“They’ve drawn to their favour and with more luck in running they’re going to be very hard to beat. Snowden said.

Stablemate Extensible ($10) will also run for the Snowdens looking to improve on her eighth in the Winter Stakes.

Paul Snowden thought the Winter Challenge (1500m) would cap Gold Symphony’s preparation which has brought a Listed win in the Civic Stakes and an unlucky sixth in the Group One Stradbroke Handicap.

“He’s had a good prep. He had that early winter through Canberra (in March), had a break then resumed at Scone and went on through to Brisbane,” he said.

“He’s done an extremely good job.”

Snowden said Snippets Land might also be nearing a spell.

Extensible has her eighth run this time in and Snowden would not rule out her winning for the first time since September from barrier four with Kerrin McEvoy.

“She’s an honest performer,” he said.

“It wouldn’t surprise to see her pop up.”

The Snowdens will have five other runners in support races at Rosehill as they strive for the 150-win and $12 million prize money milestones this season.

Heading into the final Sydney metropolitan meeting of the season the stable has had 146-1/2 winners and has amassed $11,951,637 prize money.