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By Ray Hickson

It wasn’t that long ago trainer Peter Snowden was questioning Fire Star’s courage but the only question to answer at Canterbury on Monday is whether he can pick up where his winning streak left off.

Trainer Peter Snowden (Pic: Steve Hart)

Fire Star strung together four wins on end between October and early December and Snowden has seen nothing to suggest he can’t extend his run in the Precise Air Handicap (1100m).

Prior to his Warwick Farm win on October 7, the gelding had one win from 10 starts and Snowden said “it’s up to him now” to go on with it.

“Two of them were tough wins where he looked like he was beaten and came again,’’ he said.

“He had a really good prep but it was his fifth run (of the preparation) before he put those wins together.

“It was really good to see and he’s come back in really good order.

“He’s kicking off now in a benchmark 94 compared to a 72 last time so you’ve got to keep that on board.

“Physically he looks great, his work has been sharp and everything about him seems the same from when he went out.”

Fire Star, $5.50 with TAB on Sunday, has an awkward alley to deal with and Snowden acknowledges that as a challenge for jockey Andrew Adkins.

There are stakes races at Hawkesbury, Scone and in Brisbane ahead for the four-year-old if he can pass the test.

“I’m interested to see how he goes,’’ he said.

“He’s drawn a bit ordinary, there’s a fair bit of speed in the race, and he’s fresh so I hope he doesn’t get going too hard too early.

“If he relaxes and gets a bit of luck in running he’ll run very well.”

Written Scandal is out to continue her rise in the Exceedance @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1100m) after two wins from three runs this campaign.

The filly rises 4kg in weight on her last start Gosford win, even allowing for Braith Nock’s 2kg claim, but Snowden said it’s not the disadvantage it looks with a minimum of 57kg.

“It’s a good race for her, she has a good gate and a couple of kilos off helps in a high weighted race,’’ he said.

“From that good gate she will give herself every chance.”

It might be worth keeping tabs on Cassiel this preparation as Snowden is adamant the four-year-old can improve on his one win from seven starts.

He’ll resume in the Ranvet Handicap (1100m) having run a close second to Mailata, runner-up in the Midway on Saturday, in his trial.

Fire Star's trial at Rosehill on April 4

“He’ll be the same as Need Some Luck and Fire Star,” Snowden said.

“He’ll present one day and when he does I reckon he will go bang-bang.”

Peter Snowden on Maid Of Moolah (race 2): “She’s an improving filly who has come on nice from her first-up run and has a good gate to get a good run again.”

All the fields, form and replays for Monday's Canterbury meeting