Latest News

By Ray Hickson

When you call a horse The Mitchell Snail it’d be easy to think expectations aren’t that high or at least it’s an ironic name.

Trainer Stephen Jones

And when Scone trainer Stephen Jones first laid eyes on the hulking gelding he admits he wasn’t sure what owner Gerry Harvey had sent him but it didn’t take long for him to warm to the equine giant.

The Mitchell Snail, named after the large endangered snail found in the Mitchell rainforest in northern NSW, will be out to maintain an unbeaten record in the Warren Turner Electrical Handicap (1280m) at Muswellbrook on Sunday.

Jones said there was a moment close to his debut win at Gunnedah where he thought the gelding started to show glimpses of talent but is adamant time will be The Mitchell Snail’s friend.

“I thought he would probably be no good. You put them in the system and see what happens,'' Jones said.

"Getting towards his first race I thought he’d run a good race but I thought he’d need a couple of runs to get his act together.

“He will need a couple of runs yet but I think he will improve over time.”

The four-year-old stands at around 17 hands and he was able to overcome his size and inexperience to score over 1000m at Gunnedah back on July 12.

Jones said stepping up in distance at Muswellbrook will be a big plus and that being comfortable in the run is more important than getting cover.

“He did a good job the other day because he’s so big and green, he hasn’t got it all together yet but he obviously has a bit of ability there,’’ he said.

“You just have to look at him, he’s a big robust sort of horse and it takes him a while to balance up. He has turned the corner, his winter coat is gone and he looks fantastic.

“The barrier might not be such a bad thing. He was wide the other day. If he is cluttered up on the fence I don’t think it would be good.”

Jones is taking three last start winners to Muswellbrook and he sees no reason why Polylithic couldn’t back up and impressive first-up win in the Visit Kingstar Farm Stallions Handicap (1000m).

The Mitchell Snail wins at Gunnedah on July 12

He made light work of a wide barrier cruising to a four lengths win over the 900m scamper at Scone a few weeks ago and Jones said since having bone chips removed he’s gone ahead in leaps and bounds.

“He’s always been able to gallop. Since setting those chips out he’s done enormous,’’ he said.

“I think he will run well again, he’s gone forward and cleaned up again in the coat. He looks terrific.”

It’s been two months since four-year-old mare Mezinjit scored her first-up win, also over the 900m at Scone, and Jones said while she has had some minor issues since that victory she’ll present in good order in the Supido Standing @ Widden.com.au Handicap (1000m).

All the fields, form and replays for Sunday’s Muswellbrook meeting