Beadman colt targets The Galaxy after stakes success

The rising sprinter Beadman, named for the legendary Hall of Fame jockey, is forging his own path in racing.

Peter Snowden, the trainer, possesses solid grounds for ambitious plans with Beadman after the colt's gritty return triumph in the Listed $200,000 Fireball Stakes (1100m) conducted at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

In a thrilling conclusion, Beadman ($2.30 favourite) under James McDonald withstood the fast-finishing Inkaruna ($3.50), scoring by a short head as Hidden Motive ($9), the front-runner, trailed by a mere short neck for third.

The trainer rates Beadman exceptionally highly and contends the colt warrants entry into the Group 1 $1 million The Galaxy (1100m) set for Rosehill Gardens on March 21.

"It was good to see him do that, he ran smart time, too,'' Snowden said.

"He did get a bit keen mid-race and I'm still working him out but he definitely has the talent.

"I think this win might get him into The Galaxy now. I know that is a big aim but that is the belief I have in this horse.''

A Snitzel colt, Beadman claimed his third victory (plus three placings) in seven career runs.

Henry Field of Newgate Farm, racing the colt with a syndicate of notable owners and breeders, voiced his desire to pit the three-year-old against elder sprinters in Group 1 company next appearance.

"The Galaxy has always been the plan,'' Field said.

"He's a big, gross colt and whatever he did today the expectation is he has a lot of improvement to come.

"James made the comment when he got to the front he started 'floating' so he will be better again in The Galaxy."They always go hard in that race so the tempo will be good for him.''

The colt's display was compelling enough to see him tighten to $6 second elect behind Briasa ($4.50) in The Galaxy betting.

Before the trainer took a light-hearted poke at Darren Beadman, the Hall of Fame jockey sharing the name, he reaffirmed his elevated assessment of the progressing sprinter.

"Beadman has always shown me a lot of ability but everything takes time and he is still learning,'' Snowden said.

"His race-craft has to get a bit better and I'm sure it will.

"He has all the natural attributes, he's got the talent, he has a very good demeanour - he has a name that might hold him back a little bit - but he's very promising.''

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