The persistent wet weather in Brisbane prompted Peter Snowden to revise Tuileries’ preparation for the Tattersall’s Tiara, yet he remains confident that her winning chances will not be compromised.
The four-year-old mare was originally slated to compete in the Dane Ripper Stakes (1400m) two weeks ago but was withdrawn due to the heavy track conditions. Therefore, Saturday’s Group 1 fillies and mares’ feature will represent her first start in five weeks.
However, even though Tuileries has not raced since her courageous first-up win in the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone, where she carried the top weight of 59.5kg and overcame a wide draw, Snowden is satisfied that a subsequent barrier trial has maintained her sharpness.
“I’m not too worried about it. She did trial the week before the Dane Ripper. It’s not as though she hasn’t been to the races or trials,” Snowden stated.
“She’s been up in Brisbane the past two weeks and did a strong bit of work on Tuesday morning when she went very well.
“I’m quietly confident she will run well, and the good draw (barrier three) will help.”
Tuileries has long been highly regarded by Snowden, commencing her career impressively with victories in two of her initial three starts.
As a daughter of middle-distance star So You Think, she has improved with age, cementing her status as a genuine black-type contender this season with two Group 3 wins and an equal number of stakes placings.
Snowden, who secured victory in the corresponding race with Tashi 12 months ago, notes that Tuileries is not dissimilar to her former stablemate.
“They’re similar. Tashi had run about seven placing in stakes races and never won one, and that was her maiden black-type win,” he said.
“This filly has won a few stakes races, but it’s her first crack at a Group One.
“We have always liked her so it’s good to see her get to this sort of class now.”
Chad Schofield, who has partnered Tuileries for her two stakes victories, is set to ride her in the Tiara.
In an open betting market, she is currently sharing favouritism at $6 with Victorian runner Splash Back and Gerringong, trained by Chris and Corey Munce. Wager on the racing betting markets with these top sports betting platforms.