Top trainer Peter Snowden thinks Perth-owned two-year-old Sheeza Belter can measure up when she makes her Sydney debut on Saturday.
Sheeza Belter will run in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Randwick and Snowden backs the filly to run well first up for his stable.
Sheeza Belter was a last start winner at Pinjarra in February when she underlined her potential with victory in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m).
The Gold Standard juvenile unleashed a powerful and sustained sprint from near last and gathered in the leaders over the concluding stages.
It was Sheeza Belter’s second win from three starts after a second to She’s Greysful and gave trainer Luke Fernie the biggest win of his career.
A $50,000 pick-up for former trainer and managing owner Justin Warwick, Sheeza Belter has been with the Peter and Paul Snowden camp for several months.
The father and son training combination were able to get a good guide on her progress when she ran an encouraging second to Asteria in a Randwick 1050m trial.
Snowden (Peter) says he has seen enough evidence from Sheeza Belter in the trial and trackwork to suggest she won’t be out place in her interstate debut.
“I’m really happy with her and she has done terrific,” Snowden told The Races WA.
“It’s a long way to get here and she went through a fair bit.
“She was a bit new at the start as you can imagine, but she has settled in beautifully.
“She trialed a couple of weeks ago and went really good.
“Her work since the trial has been great and she has kept on improving.
“She is very tough, eating well and looks immaculate.
“Her work Tuesday morning was fantastic.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough race, but I’m happy with her and she has really, really improved in the last couple of weeks.
“She has untapped ability because she keeps on improving, there is more to come from her.
“I think she will acquit herself well.”
Sheeza Belter and Paris Dior give the Snowden’s dual representation in the Sykes Stakes.
Paris Dior jumps from barrier three with James McDonald aboard.
Sheeza Belter has barrier seven for Kerrin McEvoy who partnered her in the trial.
Although positive about Sheeza Belter’s claims of winning, Snowden says he’s unsure how she will fare on Saturday’s likely heavy track.
“I’m not sure,” Snowden said.
“I took her to Canterbury and worked her between races last Wednesday and the track was a heavy 10.
“She got through it ok, I wouldn’t say she loved it, but she handled it ok.
“It’s an unknow factor, but she is tough and will be doing her best.”
The Snowden’s have a good record in the Sykes Stakes, winning the race in two of the past four years with Anaheed (2019) and Pure Elation (2018).
Paris Dior is the $2.50 favourite with Tabtouch. Sheeza Belter is $15.
