28 year-old Muswellbrook trainer Justin Bowen is confident an outside barrier won’t prevent his talented filly In Spades providing her trainer with his first provincial winner at Newcastle on Saturday.
In Spades, a veteran of only three starts resumes from a spell in the 900 metre Bella Group Services Class 1 Handicap. The 3 year old raced on the Newcastle track back in May when she was nailed on the post by the smart Bitcon Baby in a 2 year-old Maiden.
Two weeks later In Spades won the 2 year-old Red Crown at Muswellbrook. She then went for a spell and came back with a close second in a Muswellbrook trial. Bowen took her to the races for the first time this preparation on October 18 at Muswellbrook.
When the filly was heading to the barrier another horse galloped past her and she reacted by crashing into the outside fence. In Spades was subsequently withdrawn from the race.
Bowen, a grandson of well know Muswellbrook trainer Jan Bowen, discussed his fillies prospects on Thursday. “In Spades is a very talented filly the best I have trained in the four years of training. She has a few quirks but has a bright future with racing. I had her ready first up at Muswellbrook before she was scratched.
The good thing about this filly is her versality. In Spades is very fast if your let her up but she can be held up and then has a good turn of foot. I am not concerned with the wide draw on Saturday as I believe she can lead if she jumps well or if she is slow away she can be ridden from behind”. Bowen said.
The Peter and Paul Snowden stable is sending three of their team to Newcastle on Saturday and all three will be well fancied. Mirra View contests the Red Funnel Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate (1250m) after being placed in her only two starts this preparation. On October 16 on this track the filly had no luck when held up more than once in the home straight when third. Mirra View has a soft draw. Another smart Snowden trained filly Dynasties resumes in the Charlestown Square Class 1 Handicap(1400m). She closed off nicely under a hold in a recent Randwick trial. In her only race start Dynasties bolted in with a Newcastle Maiden in May.
Peekays Legacy has been runner up in two of three Newcastle starts for the Snowden’s. He is first up in the 1250 metre Yarraman Park Benchmark 64 Handicap. He probably needs a longer trip but may sprint well fresh.
Australia’s leading trainer Chris Waller has accepted with 13 of his team including 7 acceptors in the first race.