It’s a common saying that not everything you read should be taken as gospel, and this sentiment certainly applies to the situation surrounding Nitro.
While the stewards’ report indicated that the colt’s ‘manners’ were the cause of him not performing better last start as favourite, trainer Peter Snowden has clarified that this wasn’t entirely the case for his fourth placing at Randwick over 1400m on June 6.
“There is nothing wrong with his manners, he’s a perfect gentleman,” Snowden said.
“He had head gear and he pulled. All the talk was that we had him up close, we tried that and all he did was pull the whole way. That is not like him and there was a lot of merit in the run.”
This promising three-year-old is now set to compete in the Schweppes Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, where he is the $3 favourite with Aussie betting sites. Tommy Berry will be aboard for the first time on race day, having previously ridden the son of Deep Field in two barrier trials before his winning debut.
“The visors have come off him and we’ve put the winkers on just to make him focus,” Snowden added.
“He’s a lazy horse at home so just so he doesn’t switch off too much but certainly not to be pulling like last time. On the day he just pulled a bit, that’s all.”
Snowden also has Xidaki, a five-year-old gelding, returning from a lengthy spell in the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1200m). The gelding is being considered for a trip north to contest the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at Sunshine Coast on July 4.
The blinkers are being removed from the five-year-old gelding, who is making his first race day appearance since January 10.
“He’s a very consistent horse but just last few preps have been just below that he normally does,” Snowden commented.
“So, I thought a good long spell might just bring back to his straps. I’ve been happy with his two trials but it does take a while to get them up to peak fitness after a long break. Unfortunately he has drawn a really bad gate (15) but I just want him to show us that eagerness and keenness that he had.”
For those looking to place a wager on Nitro in the Schweppes Handicap, you can find competitive sports betting options at online bookmakers.