Gary Harley – Wrap – 16.10.21

Peter Snowden who trains in partnership with his son Paul is confident their speedy filly Satin Ribbons brilliant win over the 900m Australian Bloodstock Benchmark 64 Handicap at Newcastle Racecourse on Saturday will progress to black type company.

The 3 year-old had not raced since June when an impressive winner at Newcastle over the short course. Satin Ribbons was hard held in a recent Randwick trial and after drawing a suitable barrier she was always going to lead her opponents on a merry dance from the outset. Jockey Mitchell Bell allowed the field to stride clear from her soon after the start and she travelled sweetly under a hold until the 200m. Bell gave Satin Ribbons a couple of slaps with the whip and she kicked strongly. Peter Snowden watching from Randwick was impressed.

“The filly did a good job and will improve on that first up run. Satin Ribbons will only get better and stronger and I believe she is good enough for Black type races. She was running into a head wind and the plan is to run her in a 1000m Benchmark 64 at the provincials and then an 1100m race for fillies in town in a months’ time. That Newcastle track was in good order considering the rain that fell leading up to the race meeting” Snowden said. Amazingly Satin Ribbons was a big drifter late in the betting ($2.15 to $3.60) while the unplaced Rejinsky was backed into favouritism at $2.90.

Muswellbrook trained mare Cecilia landed a plunge in winning the Sharp Office Benchmark 68 Handicap (1200m). Backed from double figures into $6 the New Zealand bred mare trained by Alecia Bennett nailed the leader Belladeel in the shadows of the post. Purchased in New Zealand, Cecilia’s win was a credit to her trainer who only has a small team in work on her Singleton property.

The mare had not raced since June and she went into the race without a barrier trial. Cecilia has a liking for the Newcastle track where she has two wins and a second from three starts. Muswellbrook based Mikayla Weir gave the winner a perfect ride off the speed.

The Paul Perry trained Jutland was impressive in winning the OAS Technology Maiden Handicap (1300m). The Dundeel three year-old raced in second place before sharing the lead at the ‘600’. He dashed to the lead late and held on.

Koby Jennings took the riding honour’s for the day.