Snitzanova blitzes rivals in Sandown Guineas

Snitzanova has continued the run of success for fillies in the Sandown Guineas since the race was transferred to Caulfield with a stylish win on Saturday.

Having done her early racing in Sydney, Snitzanova made her Melbourne debut with victory in the Group 2 race over 1600m.

Snitzanova emulated See You In Heaven and Serasana as fillies to have won the Sandown Guineas since the race was first transferred to Caulfield in 2021.

Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse who replaced an injured Michael Dee, Snitzanova ($6) scored by a neck from Bittercreek ($5) with Somewhere ($10) a length away third.

Winning trainer Ciaron Maher pointed to his team in Sydney for suggesting Snitzanova as filly that would be suited racing in NSW before she had made her debut.

After a debut fifth, Snitzanova took out a ‘Super’ Maiden at Randwick before going on to win at Group 3 level at Newcastle on November 16.

“The team in New South Wales have done a lot with her,” Maher said.

“They identified her down here to take her up to try and contest one of those $100,000 maidens.

“She ticked that box, she’s ticked the Stakes box at her next start and now she’s a Sandown Guineas winner.

“The team have done a fantastic job and she’s a valuable little filly now.”

Maher said Snitzanova had a lot of grit and tenacity which was on display on Saturday as she ploughed through the wet ground.

“She hasn’t got the biggest action, or she’s not the biggest horse, but she’s got a lot of grit and determination and even Daniel said late she was going away from them again,” Maher said.

“As she strengthens, she’s only going to get better, but she’s done a great job already.”

Stackhouse received a late call up on Friday after Dee was injured in a fall at Flemington on Friday morning.

“I have to give Mick Dee a shout out and hope he’s recovering well in hospital,” Stackhouse said.

“He sent me a text at midnight last night saying he’s doing OK and that’s great news going forward.

“I was lucky enough for Ciaron and the Bennett Racing team to put me on this horse.

“The script didn’t go to plan but I’m just lucky she’s a good filly and she did the rest for me.