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By Ray Hickson

In 17 starts since joining the Snowden stable, imported galloper Touristic hasn’t been tried beyond 2000m but Peter Snowden says it’s the right time to test his staying ability at Grafton on Thursday.

Trainer Peter Snowden (Pic: Steve Hart)

Snowden, either solo or in partnership with son Paul, has five Ramornie wins but the Listed $200,000 Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup (2350m) has so far eluded him with Yulalona’s second in 2013 his best result.

Touristic has always been thought of as a 2000m horse but Snowden said this preparation things appear a bit different and the Grafton Cup presents a good scenario.

“He’s had a few runs now and I thought it’s a good time to try him at a mile and a half,’’ Snowden said.

“He was good the other day at the end of 2000m at Rosehill.

“I thought (2000m) was his trip but this time in he seems a stronger horse. His win at Mornington was really good in a fast run race, he kept coming and coming and was good late.

“And the other day the same thing again, I thought the last bit was the best part of his race.”

The five-year-old son of Frankel clocked the fastest last 600m of the McKell Cup back on June 29 when he ran 35.99 (Punter’s Intelligence) to finish second behind Golden Path.

He was forced to make a long run from the back so did a lot of that work before the business end, posting 11.77 (600m-400m) and 11.94 (400m-200m) but simply gave away too much start.

Snowden said a small gear change and a softer barrier could be significant to his chances at Grafton.

“I’ve put visors on him, they seem to sharpen him up in his work without pulling too hard,’’ he said.

“It seems a fast run race to me and I thought drawn four it might be a perfect time to have him that little bit closer.

“I wouldn’t say on speed but if he can be midfield it would make his job that little bit easier.

"He’s just peaking at the right time and it’s the right sort of race for him.”

Touristic was a $5 chance with TAB on Wednesday. The Snowden partnership is due to wind up at the end of July.

Meanwhile, the Australian Bloodstock colours will be carried by a Snowden runner for the first time when Written Scandal makes her debut at Kembla Grange on Thursday.

The youngster steps out in the Join The Warra Club Today Plate (1000m) on the back of two barrier trials and while there’s upside to her, Snowden said it wouldn’t surprise him to see the filly be very competitive.

Carrazana’s trial at Rosehill on July 12

“She was a small immature filly when we got her, she’s still not a big robust thing but has matured enough to go to the races,’’ he said.

“She’s always showed something and her trials have been good so she’s in with a good chance.”

All the fields, form and replays for Thursday's Grafton Cup meeting