Peter Snowden will rely on promising colt Raging Force to fly the stable flag in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) after deciding to withdraw stablemate Memo, and is confident the three-year-old is ready for the challenge of top-class company.
Raging Force built a strong reputation through the winter with three straight wins, highlighted by a powerful Rosehill performance in July. That victory prompted bookmakers to mark him as the early favourite for Saturday’s feature sprint, a significant step for a horse whose only previous start came in last year’s Breeders’ Plate when injury struck.
Snowden said the San Domenico would provide an important measuring stick for the colt, with a potential tilt at the Golden Rose (1400m) in sight.
“It’s a good test for him. He is going to meet some decent horses on Saturday,” Snowden said.
“I couldn’t be happier with him and I was really happy with his trial the other day. He seems a genuine horse and his three wins have all been in different scenarios. All solid. His last win was very good and the time was very good.
“I think he is a pretty handy horse but we’ll know more about him after Saturday.
“If he runs well, we’ll go to The Run To The Rose and that well tell us whether we go Golden Rose.”
The San Domenico field features several highly rated rivals, including Golden Slipper runner-up Wodeton, Blue Diamond Stakes winner Devil Night, and Skyline Stakes victor Rivellino, who was an unlucky fourth in the Slipper.
Snowden said Raging Force’s adaptability would be a key advantage.
“He can handle wet. He can handle dry. He can lead. He can sit off them,” Snowden said. “He’s just got most boxes ticked. Hopefully he’s got the ability one ticked after Saturday.”
Memo, meanwhile, was redirected to a Rosehill trial on Thursday, finishing second to Fire Star, and is expected to resume her campaign next week either in Sydney or Melbourne.
Punters backing Raging Force in the San Domenico Stakes can explore the latest markets via Australia’s top betting sites.