Snowden sprinter poised to Fire in Rosehill back-up in 2026 JRA Plate

Peter Snowden will press on with Fire Star in Saturday’s JRA Plate at Rosehill, hoping a drop back in trip can help the gelding claim a long-awaited black-type win.

The five-year-old stepped up to 1400 metres in the Carrington Stakes last weekend and travelled into the race well before weakening late to finish fifth behind Sandpaper.

Back to 1200 metres on Saturday, and racing at a venue where he has an excellent record, Snowden is confident conditions will be far more suitable.

“He just struggled with the 1400,” Snowden said of his Carrington Stakes run.

“But he’s such a tough bugger, I threw his name in the hat for this race, and he’s come up with a good draw and no weight on his back.

“He’s not out of it back to 1200 and he is rock-hard fit now.”

Fire Star has drawn barrier three in the field of eight, which also includes Arrowfield 3YO Sprint winner Enriched, last year’s winner Willaidow and Queensland visitor Zarastro.

With the Expressway Stakes meeting approaching, Snowden sees Saturday’s race as an ideal stepping stone before easing the gelding through the middle part of the carnival.

“That’s what I was counting on,” he said.

“The Expressway and those sort of races come to hand quickly and it will be a good time to give him a breather while they’re around and come back towards the backend of the carnival and through the Hawkesbury and Scone races.

“He has run well in Listed and Group Three races before.

“He is a very tough horse. Very genuine and you always get value for money with him.”

Previously run as the Southern Cross Stakes, the race has been won in recent seasons by horses such as Lost And Running, Masked Crusader, Le Romain and Terravista.

The post Snowden sprinter poised to Fire in Rosehill back-up first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

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