Golden Slipper winner Sepoy will have his first race as a three-year-old in the Vain Stakes
This year’s Blue Diamond Stakes and Golden Slipper winner Sepoy will have his first run as a three-year-old this Saturday when he contests the Vain Stakes at Caulfield.
The Elusive Quality colt will be returning after a four month spell following his two length victory in the $3.5 million Slipper in April.
Trainer Peter Snowden has been encouraged by Sepoy’s preparation for his upcoming spring campaign.
”In his trials and his trackwork he seems the same horse to me,” Snowden said.
”He is bigger and stronger no doubt, but fingers crossed that nothing else has changed.
”He certainly doesn’t seem to have lost any of his ability, but I suppose they’ve got to get out and do it, so that’s what I’m hoping for this Saturday.
”He was able to do things that few other two-year-olds were able to manage in his juvenile year and he wasn’t over-taxed and has really enjoyed his break and has come back in terrific order.”
Snowden is hopeful that Sepoy can continue the dominance he displayed as a two-year-old in his three-year-old season.
“It’s an exciting time for him as a three-year-old,” Snowden said.
“You have to make your mark, not that he hasn’t so far, but you are hoping that he’s going to take the next step.”
History is against Sepoy as he tries to continue his reign as a sprinting superstar, with horses such as Blue Diamond winner Star Witness and Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily both being beaten favourites in the races.
Peter Snowden’s son Paul Snowden, who is the Melbourne foreman for his father’s Melbourne stables, believes Sepoy will be the one to shake the Vain Stakes curse.
“It is a bit of a hoodoo race in recent years for a lot of horses, so obviously you do want to see them come back and improve into their three-year-old year,” Snowden Jnr said.
“But he’s a much more mature horse.
“Obviously he’s a lot older now, he’s strengthened up, he’s grown a lot more and he’s just a lot more laid-back in himself.
“He’s a pleasure to have around the stable.
“He’s not wound right up, a lot of horses aren’t (at) this time of year, their Grand Finals are six to eight weeks down the track, but we’re confident that he’s around the mark.
Sepoy’s main spring aim will be the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on October 29.
The young colt may also line up for a run in the 1200m Manikato Stakes, which could also feature the superstar mare Black Caviar.
“He’s certainly going to be turned out in great shape,” Snowden said.
“His grand final is some time down the track, but we’re confident he’s going to be around the mark.
“We’ll have to wait and see.”
Sepoy has currently won five of his six career starts and earned more than $2.85 million in prize money.
