By Ray Hickson
Decisions out of co-trainer Tom Charlton’s control have seen Snow In May’s fortunes fall, then rise again, then take another hit in the space of a day or so but he’s optimistic about the filly’s chances at Randwick on Saturday.
Trainer Tom Charlton (Pic: Grant Guy)
When unbeaten budding star Autumn Glow appeared in the nominations for the Group 3 $250,000 Mostyncopper James H B Carr Stakes (1400m) it was a blow to Snow In May’s prospects but that all changed when the Waller stable elected to send her for a spell.
Then, she drew the outside barrier.
Snow In May, who notched a Group 1 placing in the Flight Stakes in the spring, won the Canberra Guineas second-up and returns to her own age after a respectable fifth in the Emancipation Stakes on a heavy track at Rosehill.
“She wasn’t bad at all and it was in mares grade so she drops to her own age,’’ Charlton said.
“We felt she slightly over raced at 1500m if we’re being critical, and she probably didn’t have the cleanest passage through.
“Arguably she could have finished a bit closer but we were happy with her efforts and coming back to 1400m against her own age and sex she can run well.”
While Autumn Glow is out of the way Snow In May, $7.50 with TAB on Wednesday, has that outside barrier to contend with, and stablemate More Territories fared little better in nine.
More Territories won over the Randwick 1400m first-up before a midfield finish in the Group 1 Surround Stakes and Charlton said dropping to 1200m in her last start sixth in the PJ Bell was evidence that trip is a bit sharp.
“Her run the other day in the PJ Bell was good and it looked like she was going to challenge them late in the piece,’’ he said.
“She was one of the last off the bridle.
“Back to 1400m at Randwick, where she was a winner first-up, she’s an each-way chance and hopefully she can pick up some black type.”
The ex-William Haggas trained Klondike makes his debut for Charlton and John O’Shea in the Group 3 $250,000 JRA Plate (2000m).
He was a Group 3 winner at Deauville in August at 2500m and Charlton said he’s not a horse that gives a lot away on the training track.
“He’s a gentleman of a horse who has come over and pleased us,’’ he said.
“He’s a laid back character who goes about his business at home but has a lovely way of going. Speaking to William Haggas a couple of weeks ago, he said ‘don’t worry he won’t show you much, just trust him’.
“He’s had two pleasing trials and looks to be going well. James (McDonald) is going to ride him which is encouraging going forward.
“No doubt he is going to improve for getting racing under his belt in Australia but he has good form overseas and will stay further than 2000m.”
Snow In May runs fifth in the Emancipation at Rosehill
Tom Charlton on Maison Louis (race 3): “He’s coming on the scene nicely. He’s a progressive young horse showing us the right signs that he’ll be able to run well in a nice race this time in.”
On Strait Acer (race 10): “He came into the stable in great order, he’s had an uneventful campaign thus far. He might need the run a bit but he can run well, that’s for sure, and then there are options for him at Hawkesbury and Scone. He’s been a delight to have, he’s a talented horse and were looking forward to getting him kicked off and learn more about him.”
All the fields, form and replays for All Aged Stakes Day at Randwick