2 weeks Ago By Craig Kerry
Newcastle and Hunter Racing Hall of Fame trainer Peter Snowden says Touristic could not be better placed to deliver him a second Newcastle Gold Cup win on Friday. Login or signup to continue reading The six-year-old Frankel gelding drew gate two for the $300,000 group 3 (2300m) on Wednesday, when only nine acceptances were received. Touristic was second favourite as a $4 TAB chance behind Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained Redstone Well ($3.
50), which drew gate seven. The Great Britain galloper has won only twice in 19 Australian starts but has finished second in the McKell, Grafton and Premier's Cups at his past three starts. "He's going well and he's in good form, we've really set him for that race, so hopefully we get a bit of luck," Snowden said.
"After the Grafton Cup we set our sights on the Newcastle Cup. He had one lead-up run a month ago and ran really well. "He was second, beaten a head at Randwick, and that topped him off nicely for the race on Friday.
"He didn't shirk his task and ran really strong through the line, so I didn't think I needed to run him anymore. "He's a better horse when his races are spaced so he's had the right preparation to get the best out of him." Chris Waller-prepared Etna Rosso ($4.
80) and Strathtay ($7) were also in the market, ahead of lone Newcastle chance, Kris Lees-trained Luncies ($9). "There's a bit of depth there," Snowden said. "Redstone Well won quite well the other day, but this horse is going good and he's definitely got a good hope in the race.
"He'll get a nice economical run from barrier two. He's rock-hard fit. I can't get him any fitter, so all he needs is a bit of luck on the day and he won't be far away.
"I would think he'll be three pairs back from that draw, but that's close enough to win if he's good enough. There shouldn't be any excuses." The veteran Scone-raised trainer said he "hasn't had many runners" in the Newcastle Cup, which he won with Disclaimer 2014.
Snowden also has Queen Of Dragons ($19) and Zarrose ($101) in the group 3 Tibbie Stakes (1400m), which attracted 14 runners. Jarrod Austin-trained Mona Lisa Stakes winner Terra Mater was the $3.90 favourite from gate two.
The day's other group 3, the Cameron Handicap (1500m), looks the strongest on program after gaining 17 acceptances. The Hayes-trained Here To Shock was the $4.60 favourite, just ahead of first emergency Bear On The Loose ($5), from the Waterhouse-Bott yard.
Snowden said of Queen Of Dragons: "Her run was good first-up the other day at Wyong. She's a stakes winner and second-up, she'll be improved. And the Newcastle track suits her a lot better than Wyong.
"Zarrose is being thrown in the deep end a wee bit, but she's better than average. Off a freshen up, she would love a bit of sting out of the track. "She normally runs well fresh, she has no weight on her back and Zac [Lloyd] knows her well.
She won two races before her last start so I'm expecting her to bounce back from that." DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered.
WEEKLY Every Sunday explore destinations, deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around Australia and the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on.
WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep.
Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday.
WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks.
DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!.
