Joe Azzopardi excited by Snow God’s return
Jockey Joe Azzopardi is optimistic heading into Saturday’s Bunbury meeting as he reunites with promising three-year-old Snow God.
Trained by Donna Riordan, Snow God made a winning debut back in January, overcoming a wide run and a determined rival to salute at short odds.
He was slightly disappointing second-up when fourth behind Want A Winner and was subsequently spelled after an elevated heart rate was detected post-race.
Snow God resumes in the Tabtouch Past The Post Handicap (1000m), and Azzopardi believes the gelding has come back stronger after recent work on the track.
“I galloped him Tuesday and he felt fantastic,” Azzopardi said on Tabradio. “He’s got a tricky gate, but with luck he’s a big chance.”
“He’s got a great motor and is a classy animal. He just needs to put it all together but I’ve got a lot of time for him.”
Bookmakers have installed Snow God at $4.80, with Terratif currently the $2.90 favourite.
Azzopardi also rates Amazing Cheat a solid winning hope in the Swan Draught Handicap (2231m), believing the mare will appreciate the rise in distance.
“She’s a trier and always runs well,” he said. “Up in trip, down in weight – she’s a real chance.”
Currently at $5.50, Amazing Cheat trails Dun With The Blues ($3.10) and Snazzler ($4.60) in the market.
Planet Cash also returns for Azzopardi in the Nixon Electrical Handicap, with the rider not ruling out an improved showing.
Bet smart this weekend by checking odds and form with the best online betting sites in Australia.
More Racing News
Michael Freedman seals brilliant day with Cinsault's stakes success
Michael Freedman's bold "Hail Mary" gamble succeeded when his peak-condition mare Cinsault claimed stakes company for the first time in the Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) held at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday.Owned by Godolphin, Cinsault had previously notched three wins from four summer starts in lesser company prior to Freedman entering...
Oakleigh Plate victory makes Sam Freedman's 30th birthday special via Tropicus
Tropicus gave trainer Sam Freedman a memorable Group 1 present on his 30th birthday.This four-year-old Too Darn Hot gelding claimed his debut top-flight win by powering clear of competitors in the $750,000 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) held at Caulfield on Saturday.Freedman and his father Anthony, co-trainers, had Tropicus as their secondary...
Ninja lands Hobartville Stakes after tough Magic Millions run
Putting the agony of an unfortunate defeat in the Magic Millions Guineas behind him, Ninja has notched up wins against prominent foes to capture the Group Two Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill.In his last start at the Gold Coast, the colt raced wide due to his outside gate but battled gamely,...
Streisand triumphs in Caulfield's Blue Diamond Stakes
Clinton McDonald has reclaimed his status as 'King of the Kids' for the second time in three years, courtesy of Streisand's victory in Victoria's leading two-year-old event at Caulfield.The trainer took the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) two years back with the tragic Hayasugi, and it was again a...
Ambitious plans ahead for Piggyback following Rosehill success
Consistent long-distance runner Piggyback has positioned herself for a potential Group One weight-for-age challenge during autumn after a dominant performance in the Parramatta Cup at Rosehill.Assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord to Ciaron Maher indicated various paths forward for the five-year-old mare, among them the Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill come March...
Futurity Stakes delivers Pericles breakthrough Group 1 success
The resilient gelding Pericles shed his Group 1 maiden status by grabbing a well-deserved top-level victory in the $750,000 Futurity Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield.Six heartbreaking placings at the highest grade—including a runner-up effort in the Futurity Stakes two seasons prior—were put behind him as the Street Boss six-year-old saluted...
Dominant Silver Slipper win catapults Stretan Ruler towards Golden Slipper
Phillip Stokes, the Pakenham trainer, admitted to getting disoriented at Rosehill Gardens, yet his exceptional colt Stretan Ruler navigated straight to an authoritative triumph in Saturday's Group 2 $300,000 Silver Slipper (1100m).Stretan Ruler demanded respect by blistering around the 1100m in 1:03.64s, finishing 3-1/2 lengths clear of Sydney's leading juveniles."I...
Buckaroo welcomes Jye McNeil for Futurity Stakes return
Cox Plate placegetter Buckaroo will have jockey Jye McNeil back on board for his opening outing of the autumn series at Caulfield.The gelding heads into the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, piloted by McNeil.In the gelding's tally of 31 career starts, McNeil has only been aboard...
Walker team warming to Geegees Mistruth ahead of Caulfield feature
Mark Walker's Cranbourne stable has developed an increasing fondness for Geegees Mistruth the longer she has been in their care.The four-year-old, bred in Tasmania, transferred to the Walker outfit last spring following preparation by Stuart Gandy.With six successes in 15 races, Geegees Mistruth remains without a mainland triumph, but hopes...
Berry confident in Ninja's Hobartville Stakes bid
Premier jockey Tommy Berry reckons a Queensland summer campaign has reshaped the previously unruly Ninja, placing his trust in the gelding to match the top three-year-olds at Rosehill.During his Queensland stint, Ninja raced three times, claiming victory in the Vo Rogue Plate (1300m) at Eagle Farm and battling from a...