Touristic poised for resurgence in the W J McKell Cup

Peter Snowden is confident that Touristic is in good health and expects the gelding to perform strongly at Rosehill, despite a disappointing performance last start.

The ten-year-old will be competing in his tenth start of the preparation when he lines up for Saturday's W J McKell Cup (2000m), having begun his campaign in the Festival Stakes (1500m) in November.

It's a demanding racing schedule, yet Touristic has flourished, claiming the Canberra Cup in March and finishing in the placings in both the January and Gosford Cups.

While he was comprehensively beaten in the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) in his latest appearance, Snowden believes the outcome was influenced by the race's circumstances rather than a sign the horse was nearing the end of his preparation.

"Things didn't work out," stated Snowden. "We've learned from that. It's all about riding him the right way. Ride him to his strengths, and he'll run really well."

Five of Touristic's six career wins have been on tracks with give in the ground, and Snowden is hopeful that conditions will be favourable for him on Saturday.

Snowden indicated that if the conditions are right, everything at home suggests the seven-year-old is ready for a significant form reversal this weekend.

"I would like to see the track a little wetter, but they are forecasting a few showers on Saturday. A five, six or seven is perfect for him," he said. "He can turn this around on Saturday, no problem. He loves racing, and he's in really good shape."

With Rotagilla scratched to race in Brisbane, Touristic will now face nine opponents, including the previous year's McKell Cup winner Golden Path, the in-form God's Window, and Tamworth trainer Craig Martin's progressive stayer Tavros.

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