Trainer David Hayes is confident that talented stayer Bold Sniper will prove tough to beat, when he lines up for the Banjo Paterson Series Final (2600m) at Flemington Racecourse this weekend.
Bold Sniper will carry a race-high 60kgs in the Banjo Paterson Series Final. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Owned by Her Majesty The Queen, Bold Sniper has produced a number of strong results since transferring from the care of Sir Michael Stoute in Britain at the conclusion of 2014, but has arguable found his best Australian form this time in.
Running seventh in the Albury Mile (1600m) before placing eighth in the Tommy Hill Memorial Handicap (2000m), Bold Sniper produced a gutsy effort to return to winning form in the Le Pine Funerals Plate (2400m) before a strong performance for fourth amongst classy company in the Wimmera & Murray Mallee Handicap (2520m).
Hayes told Racing Ahead that he is pleased with Bold Sniper’s condition leading into the Banjo Paterson Series Final and is confident the horse is a good chance of success, even with a race-high 60kgs.
“I think the horse is a good first three chance,” Hayes said.
“I thought he was OK last start, a fair pass I would say.
“We’ve left the earmuffs on him and I think that will relax him a bit more. I think he’ll sit right on the pace, if not leading and he’ll stay on.
“Capable of winning with a big weight.”
Posting a career total of four wins and five minors through twenty starts, Bold Sniper was thrown into the deep end upon debuting in Australia last spring; running eighth in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m).
Progressing to a tough fourth in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m), the New Approach gelding failed to make anything of an impact when fifteenth in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2520m), but again responded credibly when fourth in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Cup (2500m) on October 24th.
Bold Sniper will jump from barrier 5 in the Banjo Paterson Series Final on Saturday, with leading hoop Dwayne Dunn in the saddle.
Ladbrokes Australia currently pegs Bold Sniper as a $5.50 chance in Banjo Paterson Series Final betting markets.
