The Peter Snowden trained Epaulette has booked a clash with the undefeated Pierro in the Caulfield Guineas after taking out the Group 1 $1m De Bortoli Wines Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill today.

Epaulette

Epaulette wins the Group 1 Golden Rose from stablemate Albrecht. Photo by: Steve Hart

Snowden was cheering loudly when stablemates Epaulette and Albrecht broke away from the field at the 250m to fight out the finish with Epaulette prevailing to give jockey Tommy Berry his first Group 1 win.

The John O’Shea trained Ashokan was many lengths back in third spot for James McDonald while race favourite Nechita hit the front at the 300m but faded in the run to the line to miss a place.

Snowden’s mood changed from disappointment when the colts drew outside barriers in the ten horse field to elation when the Darley colours surged clear over the final 200m.

“Fantastic. When the draw came out I just said sh**, what a draw. But as it turned out the last furlong was enormous,” Snowden said.

“I describe how good it was. He’s a great colt. I feel there’s a lot more improvement in him. I was very proud of the other horse as well.”

“He’ll go to the Caulfield Prelude and then hopefully the Guineas and have a crack at Pierro at our best.”

Snowden will now shift his attention to Melbourne with Epaulette and have him at his best to take on Pierro in the Group 1 $1m Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 13.

Berry has been waiting patiently to collect his Group 1 win and was elated to finally earn it in a close, hard fought finish.

“It’s unbelievable. Really gotta thank Mr Snowden, he’s supported me so much during my whole career and this is just unreal riding a Group 1 winner. This’s all I ever wanted to do,” Berry said.

With a solid pace in the early and middle stages, Berry was able to settle Epaulette back near the tail of the field and just as Nechita kicked clear at the 300m, Berry let loose on the colt and was able to out gun his stablemate in the drive to the line.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.