Marianne will return to black type racing in the 2015 Breeders Classic at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow and co-trainer Paul Snowden is thrilled with the condition of the promising mare ahead of the Group 2 event.
Marianne (centre) will have the chance to record a second black type win in the 2015 Breeders Classic at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Marianne was placed at Group level under the care of Michael Kent during the 2014 Melbourne Festival Of Racing and she was sent for a lengthy stint in the spelling paddock before joining the Snowden stable at the end of her autumn preparation.
The Darci Brahma mare made her debut for Team Snowden in the Tab.Com.au Handicap (1200m) at Royal Randwick on January 17 and she produced a solid performance to finish third behind Coolring and Pajaro.
Snowden told Racing Ahead that he was very happy with the first-up performance of Marianne and he believes that the four-year-old has taken plenty of benefit out of the run ahead of the Group 2 Breeders Classic (1200m).
“I was more than pleased with how she ran first-up, it was exactly what we thought of her and where she was at,” Snowden said.
“She had a long time off and she was just found wanting the last furlong, but she has well and truly improved off the back off it.
“Obviously we are targeting a few races later in the autumn, but she has really bounced back well and she is one of those fillies that gives 100 percent every time she goes around.
“It is not beyond her.”
Marianne has shown plenty of tactical versatility during her racing career to date and Snowden said that he will be leaving the riding instructions for the mare up to Queensland-based jockey Larry Cassidy, who has picked up a strong book of rides in Sydney this weekend.
There does not look to be a great deal of early speed in the 2015 Breeders Classic field and Snowden said that he would be happy to see the Alexandra Stakes winner close to the speed in the early stages of the race.
“She is one of those horses that where they sit in their run is dictated to by the speed and if they are not going hard she will be in the first half of the field and if they do run along she can get back and run along as well,” Snowden said.
“It is an asset for her at this stage.”
Marianne is currently available at 2015 Breeders Classic odds of $9.50, while Catkins ($1.90) a clear favourite from Mihiri ($7) and Neena Rock ($8.50) with Ladbrokes.
