Xidaki primed for first win

Co-trainer Peter Snowden is surprised Xidaki is still a maiden, but is confident that will change when the gelding steps out on his home track.

The son of Zoustar, who races in the famous silks of Gunsynd, has placed in each of his four starts finishing no further than three-quarters of a length from the winner.

That was on debut at Wyong last September when runner-up to Balkans in the first Super Maiden race run.

He then finished third to Fire Tribe at Randwick before a second to Hanau at Newcastle and was caught on the line when second to Ironton on the Kensington two weeks ago.

“He’s been a bit unlucky. Gee, he’s running really well but just hasn’t got there,” Snowden who trains alongside his son, Paul, said.

“After his first starts I thought, ‘You will win next start’ but he got beat at Randwick then he just got beat at Newcastle and just got caught on the line on the Kensington last start.

“It’s a bit frustrating that he has been so close each time hopefully it’s his turn.

Xidaki carries top weight of 59.5kg in the Maiden Handicap (1400m) for three-yearolds at Kensington on Wednesday.

“The seven furlongs (1400m) will suit him, it’s ideal for him now and he’s drawn a good gate so he should get a lovely run from there,” Snowden said.

“He is giving away a bit of weight but that good, soft draw is worth a couple of lengths to him for sure.”

Lightly raced colt Godfather hasn’t had a run since finishing down the track behind Skirt The Law in the Magic Millions in January last year.

He returns in the Benchmark 72 Handicap (1000m).

“He has been trialling a bit up and down but he can be like that,” Snowden said. “He is ready to go now after three trials. He has drawn a touch awkwardly but he has shown in his trials that he can be ridden off speed now. He is settling better which is probably what he needs to do tomorrow.

“We are happy enough with him and he should be running well first-up.”

Stablemate Secret Revolution lines up in the same race looking to bounce back from a well-beaten sixth behind Shezanalister at Warwick Farm on January 26.

Before that, he resumed with a good win from Major Time over 1000m at Canberra on December 29.

“I thought his last run was below par for him but it was a very fast run race and he was plain late,” Snowden said.

“I don’t think they will go as fast in this race and he has a good, soft draw.

“He’s prepped up well with a few weeks between runs which he enjoys. His work was good last week and I expect him to turn that form around and be a lot more competitive.”