Munce after first stakes win as a trainer

Chris Munce has a double-barrelled chance to take the next step in his training career and win his first stakes race.

He will saddle up Nicconi Leggera and Snow Fields in the Listed Mode Plate (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The former champion jockey retired to take up training in Brisbane in January 2015 and has since trained nearly 80 winners.

He has started the 2016-17 season well with 19 winners and is in the top 10 city trainers.

Munce is satisfied with his efforts but believes it is time to take the next step.

“I haven’t had many stakes runners but winning black-type races is obviously important to all trainers,” Munce said.

“I have gradually been able to build up the strength of my younger horses. I have several ready for the Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic but it would be great to break my stakes winning duck at Eagle Farm.”

Munce said Nicconi Leggera was an honest horse who should have won her previous start.

“She had a bad barrier but she is drawn in barrier one on Saturday. I have got Larry Cassidy to ride her and he is back in his best form,” Munce said.

“I have always had an opinion of Snow Fields and I scratched her from the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday for this.”

“In the long term I am hoping Snow Fields might be an Oaks filly and she will have to show something on Saturday to back up my opinion.”