Fire Star will be given another opportunity to break through at stakes level when he lines up in the JRA Plate at Rosehill, with trainer Peter Snowden opting to back him up on the quick turnaround.
The five-year-old was tested over 1400 metres for the first time in the Carrington Stakes last weekend, where he travelled strongly before weakening late to finish fifth behind Sandpaper.
Returning to 1200 metres on Saturday, and racing at a venue where he has won three of his four starts, Snowden is confident the drop in distance will suit.
“He just struggled with the 1400,” Snowden said of his Carrington Stakes effort.
“But he’s such a tough bugger, I threw his name in the hat for this race, and he’s come up with a good draw and no weight on his back.
“He’s not out of it back to 1200 and he is rock-hard fit now.”
Fire Star will jump from barrier three in a quality eight-horse field that also includes Arrowfield 3YO Sprint winner Enriched, last year’s winner Willaidow and Queensland raider Zarastro.
With higher-profile races approaching later in the carnival, Snowden believes this race fits perfectly before giving the gelding a short break.
“That’s what I was counting on,” he said.
“The Expressway and those sort of races come to hand quickly and it will be a good time to give him a breather while they’re around and come back towards the backend of the carnival and through the Hawkesbury and Scone races.
“He has run well in Listed and Group Three races before.
“He is a very tough horse. Very genuine and you always get value for money with him.”
Formerly known as the Southern Cross Stakes, Saturday’s feature has previously been won by the likes of Lost And Running, Masked Crusader, Le Romain and Terravista.
The post Snowden sprinter poised to Fire in Rosehill back-up first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
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