Speedy mare Snitzerland will join Queensland sprinter Buffering in the search for a maiden Group 1 victory in the Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 27.
Snitzerland is on track to return to the races in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 27. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Buffering is generally considered the best horse in Australia that is yet to win at Group 1 level but connections of Snitzerland could make the argument that their four-year-old deserves to be in contention for the title.
Snitzerland finished second behind Pierro in the 2012 Golden Slipper (1200m) and during the 2012 Spring Racing Carnival recorded victories in the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m), Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) and Group 3 Champagne Stakes (1200m) but was unsuccessful when she made the step up to Group 1 in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) and Patinack Farm Classic (1200m).
The daughter of Snitzel started her autumn campaign earlier this year with an ultra-impressive three lengths victory in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Warwick Farm and went into the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill as a clear favourite but finished second behind Bel Sprinter after setting a quick pace early.
Trainer Gerald Ryan told Sky Racing HQ that Snitzerland has grown significantly in her time away from the track and is working towards a return for the Moir Stakes – a race that he wishes was run over 1000 metres.
“She has come along good and is twenty-three kilos heavier than she was last time,” Ryan said.
“She had her first serious hit-out last Saturday and she worked well.
“At this stage she will trial on the 13th at Warwick Farm or the 17th at Rosehill and if we are happy with her she will go down and run in the Moir at Moonee Valley.
“I wish it was a 1000 metre race – she has won at 1200 metres but she is electric over 1000 metres first-up as she showed last prep.”
The winner of the Moir Stakes will have the first claim to the Australian Champion Sprinter crown vacated by Black Caviar, with Group 1 winners Bel Sprinter, Linton, Hay List, Moment Of Change and Epaulette all a chance to compete in the recently upgraded race.
