Crescent King's Canterbury win leads to stakes race ambitions
Trainer Peter Snowden suggests Crescent King has the potential to compete in stakes races this spring after his hard-fought maiden win at Canterbury.
Although Crescent King won by a short neck over Better By Far, Snowden highlighted the three-year-old's above-average home track ability and predicted further improvement as he matures.
"He put in a tradesman-like performance today, and I'm pleased with him," Snowden commented. "He has always shown promise. He was a bit delicate, suffering shin soreness a couple of times, but he is sound now. He is peaking at the right moment for the upcoming races."
Ridden by Zac Lloyd in the Hyland Race Colours Plate (1100m) on Wednesday, Crescent King ($2.70 fav) narrowly defeated the pacesetter Better By Far ($4.60) near the finish line. Vatican ($7) trailed them by three lengths in third place.
Snowden has not yet confirmed the next steps for the winner but is keen to test him in black-type races, with the Brian Crowley Stakes (1100m) being a consideration.
"He's still quite green, but he possesses the necessary talent," he said. "My primary concern was to observe his performance today. However, stepping up to Listed races now presents a significant challenge. It's crucial to have the right contender, but I believe he might be up to it."
The Chris Waller stable also has stakes race aspirations for the filly Saffron Veil ($1.90 fav), who held off stablemate Affari ($10) by a half-length in the Schweppes Handicap (1200m) after finishing second in her initial two outings.
Charlie Duckworth, Waller's assistant trainer, noted that the Flight Stakes (1600m) had been an initial consideration for Saffron Veil, but it would be too soon. Nonetheless, the Thousand Guineas remains a viable option.
"She was entered for the Flight Stakes and the Thousand Guineas when she debuted, so we must still consider the Thousand Guineas. The Flight Stakes will undoubtedly arrive too quickly, but that's our current thinking," Duckworth stated.
Punters are eyeing the next start for Crescent King, with betting markets available at top online bookmakers.
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