Sidestep has claimed an impressive win in the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse ahead of the $3.5 million Golden Slipper next Saturday.
The Exceed And Excel colt has bounced back from his last start run in the Group 2 Todman Stakes, in which he dislodged his rider and was declared a non-finisher in the race.
Sidestep settled fourth in the early stages of the Pago Pago Stakes, while Dothraki set the pace for the remainder of the field.
Dothraki appeared to have the race won half way up the final straight, however, a flying Sidestep strode past the leader in the final stages to win the Pago Pago Stakes by 1.3 lengths.
Mossman colt Dothraki held on for second position, while Fuerza placed a gallant third.
Trainer Peter Snowden was reserved when questioned about the likelihood of Sidestep running in the Group 1 Golden Slipper on April 6, 2013.
“We’ve got to think about the longevity of the colt,” Snowden said.
“He’s still new and he still does things wrong which is a bit of a concern.
“He’s got good true ability.
“He’s come through the (riderless) run really well and his work Tuesday was exceptional.
“He always had ability but he always looked immature.
“In my mind he’s always going to a better three-year-old.
“He just keeps stepping up.”
Snowden is not ruling out a run in the Golden Slipper just yet.
“We may (run him), but I just want to have a good think about the horse,” he said.
“we’ll have a good talk about it Monday or Tuesday.
“We’ll just see what happens over the weekend.”
Jokey Kerrin McEvoy was impressed with Sidestep’s winning Pago Pago Stakes run.
“It’s good to see him come out of that little mishap last week,” McEvoy said.
“(We’ll) just see how he pulls up.
“He’s obviously a talented horse.
“The exciting thing is he did that a bit half-hearted today.
“He’s going to switch on and we’ll talk about what we do with him.”
Sidestep has now won one of this four race starts and has earned more than $165,000 in prize money during his short career.