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Australian Racing News
Saturday, April 01 2017

An injury-enforced withdrawal from the Golden Slipper ultimately produced a silver lining for Invader's connections when he claimed the A$1 million Sires' Produce Stakes at Randwick today.

The colt was diagnosed with a stone bruise on the eve of the world's richest race for two year-olds, but thanks to dedicated treatment by Peter and Paul Snowden's staff, Invader ($8) was able to run down New Zealand colt Summer Passage ($16) over the closing stages.

Summer Passage had been sent forward from his wide gate to sit outside the leader and put up a brave effort, snatching a break on his rivals with 300 metres to run and being headed only in the last 50 metres. 

"It's been a tough couple of weeks, just sort of biting your top lip after what happened (during) Slipper week," said co-trainer Paul Snowden before sharing the moment with his father, Paul.

"I couldn't count how many times he's had his foot in a bucket in the last two weeks. It's through the staff's hard work and persistence that we're here today."

Invader, who finished second at his last start in the Todman Stakes on March 4, was given a dream run by Hugh Bowman and overhauled Summer Passage to hit the line three-quarters of a length clear.

Trapeze Artist ($7) was the same margin back in third to present super sire Snitzel with a superb trifecta.

A relieved Paul Snowden said Invader was in great order despite a weather-affected build-up and he clearly appreciated a step-up in distance.

"He's always been looking for 1400, that's been the biggest plus, just waiting and waiting for this to happen," he said. "Once he lobbed in Hughie gave him every possible chance and once he popped out he was certainly the strongest one.

"He's a very fit, athletic sort of horse. He's only small but he's got a very big heart, the little bugger," Snowden added before thanking the China Horse Club and Newgate Farm for keeping the faith.

"They've been patient, I'll say that. They've had a lot of bad luck along the way.

"Hopefully the times have changed, Russian (Revolution) certainly put the writing on the wall last week (in The Galaxy) and this bloke today."

Bowman said the Sires' win was fitting consolation for missing the A$3.5 million Slipper a fortnight ago.

"It was a real shame he missed the Golden Slipper but it could have been a blessing in disguise.

"With the fillies winning all the majors so far this season that makes this horse the best colt of his era, as a two-year-old, so that makes it very exciting for his connections, and to be a part of his ride is very special for me."

Peter Snowden was coy on Invader's short-term future but the final leg pof the two-year-old triple crown, the A$500,000 Champagne Stakes (1600m), was a possibility back at Randwick on April 15.

Posted by: AAP AT 01:57 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
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