Special Diva headed to Sandown to contest the Clanbrooke Racing Handicap over 1400m with Damien Oliver booked to ride. With the track rating starting off as a Soft 5, after some heavy rain the track was downgraded to a Heavy 9 which suited this mare by Snitzel.
Jumping from barrier nine, the pair flew the gates with Ollie racing for a position at the front of the field. With plenty of pace on, the pair sat just off the speed three to four wide the trip on the better going. Once into the straight the pair eased out and over the heels of those in front and they gained clear running. Under some vigorous riding by Damien the pair cruised on to win by 3.75L.
It was really pleasing to see this daughter of Snitzel in today’s heavy conditions. She’s only a little thing but she carried some weight and got the job done. She handled the ground like a typical Snitzel, and I think in the next 12 months she’ll be a good four-year-old mare, just like her mother. Her owners have been very patient and I think she will be at her best as a four-year-old. She is a $450,000 yearling that I purchased in conjunction with Sheamus Mills, she has a nice pedigree and page, and if we manage her right she will be a quality breeding mare down the track.
Looking towards the future, if the Sydney Autumn Carnival behaves like it usually does, that being wet, we may get the chance to take her up there and have a crack at some Black Type races.
Mick would like to congratulate Rob & June Harding on this win. It always gives me a special thrill to train winners for the Hardings. They were amongst my first owners and I value their relationship.
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Photos: Racing.com