Winning combo his aim Trainer sweats on rider
TRAINER Peter Snowden wants to keep “Team Redzel” together for Onslaught’s attempt to return to winning form in the ATC Owner Benefit Card Handicap ( 1400m) at Royal Randwick today.
Onslaught is a stablemate of super sprinter Redzel and both geldings are sons of champion sire Snitzel who race in the famous colours of Michael and Chris Ward’s Triple Crown Syndications.
But to complete the set, Snowden is sweating on the availability of The Everest winner Redzel’s regular rider Kerrin McEvoy to partner Onslaught today.
McEvoy will ride Onslaught but only if first emergency Planet’s Princess doesn’t gain a start.
If there is a scratching, Snowden will need to find a new jockey. Snowden has also nominated Onslaught for Canterbury’s Friday night meeting but the trainer is keen to start the four- year- old today.
Onslaught has been placed in two starts since resuming including his close third to Nat King Cu at Warwick Farm on Australia Day.
“I thought he was there to win at Warwick Farm but maybe he blew out the last 40m,’’ Snowden said. “He has had two runs back and is 100 per cent now. The good barrier ( five) is a big plus, too.’’
The champion jockey does link with the Snowden stable on the improving mare Varuska for the Ranvet Handicap ( 2400m).
The rail is out 12m at Rand- wick today to protect the inside section for the autumn carnival and this has necessitated field restrictions with the staying race having 12 starters plus three emergencies.
Varuska, owned by Greg and Donna Kolivos of Pierro fame, scored a tough win in a Newcastle Class 1 2000m race last start and although going up in grade today, Snowden believes the mare is well suited.
“She is very one- paced but she can stay,’’ Snowden said.
Snowden has entered wellbred juvenile colt Tchaikovsky for the Tab. com. au Plate ( 1000m) but said the youngster is not a certain starter.
“Tchaikovsky trialled last Monday week at Randwick and is a nice colt, he goes well,’’ Snowden said. “He could go to the races for the first time ( today) or we might trial him again next Monday and run him Saturday week.’’
Snowden was more definite about plans for boom threeyear- old sprinter Brave Song, indicating the colt would resume in the Group 3 $ 150,000 Eskimo Prince Stakes ( 1200m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday.