By Ray Hickson
Trainer Paul Snowden has warned against dismissing blue blooded colt Munich on the basis of his second trial when he makes his debut at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The $750,000 Snitzel colt easily won his first public trial at Canterbury then was beaten six lengths at Rosehill on October 3.
He debuts in the Victory Vein Plate (1000m) alongside more experienced stablemate Spin and Snowden said he shouldn’t be underestimated.
“When you get a horse that jumps and leads in their first trial you try to give them the best of both worlds and get them back in behind,’’ he said.
“Rosehill is a death trap for two-year-olds ridden back in the field so you’ll see horses improve a lot off a Rosehill trial.’’
Munich’s price tag stems somewhat from having a grand dam (Monsoon Wedding) that is a full sister to the great Redoute’s Choice.
Hugh Bowman rides the colt on race day, as he did in that second trial, and Snowden said there isn’t a lot between him and stablemate Spin who ran fourth in the Breeders’ Plate on debut.
“I can’t blame the barrier they’ve both drawn well,’’ he said.
“Munich might have a bit more depth to him and untapped ability but the race experience of the other one might cancel that out.
“They’re both going to be extremely hard to beat, hopefully jump well and land in a good position and give themselves every chance.’’
Spin arguably should have finished a little closer in the Breeders’ Plate but Snowden was satisfied with the run and believes he’s come on from it.
“He was strung up a bit at a vital stage behind the winner who skipped away from him. He ran evenly to the line for a creditable fourth,’’ he said.
“He’s definitely tightened up a lot and having that education is priceless to a horse having its second run in a race. That run under his belt is going to take him a long way.’’
Tim Clark retains the ride on Spin and after the Breeders’ Plate he said: “He ran well. I was hoping to be a little bit closer and it has probably cost him running a place.’’
Check out the fields, form and replays for the Everest at Royal Randwick