Significant step up for Almighty

Peter Snowden is confident Almighty will cope with the step up in class when he begins his first Melbourne campaign in the Listed Gothic Stakes at Caulfield.

The colt returns from a 10-week freshen up in fine fettle for Saturday’s 1400-metre challenge alongside stablemate Icon Of Dubai.

“He showed a little bit last preparation and I expect him to run well in that sort of race,” Snowden said.

Almighty has had four starts in a preparation highlighted by his maiden win in Newcastle over 1600m in August.

“He’s been down in Melbourne for quite a while. He’s quite forward and he’s in good enough order,” Snowden said.

Ideally Almighty will progress to the Group Three Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) on November 4, Derby day.

Snowden hoped blinkers would sharpen Icon Of Dubai up after the colt struggled when seventh in the Listed Antler Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 4.

“He was really disappointing but with the blinkers on I’m sure you’ll see a better horse,” Snowden said.

Icon Of Dubai was a $8.50 chance with the TAB on Thursday while Almighty ($13) was among the unfancied runners in a market spearheaded by Godolphin’s Beau Geste ($3.60).

Snowden also has Ravi down to run the Group Two Tristarc Stakes (1400m) but may hold the mare back after she drew the outside gate .

“I don’t know whether I’ll run her from there. She’ll find it pretty difficult to win,” Snowden said.

If Ravi doesn’t run Snowden says she will be aimed at the Group Three Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) on Melbourne Cup day.