No stone unturned by Invader

AN injury-enforced withdrawal from the Golden Slipper ultimately produced a silver lining for Invader’s connections when he booted clear to score the $1 million Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick yesterday.

The colt was diagnosed with a stone bruise on the eve of the world’s richest race for two year-olds but thanks to dedicated treatment by Peter and Paul Snowden’s staff, Invader ($8) was able to run down New Zealand’s Summer Passage ($16) over the closing stages.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, just sort of biting your top lip after what happened (during) Slipper week,” said cotrainer Paul Snowden before sharing the moment with his father, Paul.

“I couldn’t count how many times he’s had his foot in as bucket in the last two weeks.

“It’s through the staff’s hard work and persistence that we’re here today.”

Invader, who last ran in the Todman Stakes ( 1200m) on March 4, was given a dream run by Hugh Bowman and overhauled Summer Passage to hit the line three-quarters of a length clear. Trapeze Artist ($7) was another three-quarters of a length back in third to present super sire Snitzel with a breeding trifecta.

A relieved Paul Snowden said Invader ($8) was in great order despite a weather-affected build-up and clearly appreciated extra distance.

“He’s always been looking for 1400, that’s been the biggest plus, just waiting and waiting for this to happen,” he said.

“Once he lobbed in Hughie gave him every possible chance and once he popped out he was certainly the strongest one.”

Bowman said the Sires’ was fitting consolation for missing the $3.5 million Slipper a fortnight ago. “It was a real shame he missed the Golden Slipper but it could have been a blessing in disguise,” he said.