Jon Snow returns, no rust

DO not expect talented galloper Jon Snow to be on the back foot in tomorrow’s Tarzino Trophy, despite him sitting out the entire autumn.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsmantrained 5yrold has not started since being ruled out of last year’s Melbourne Cup with a heel issue.

Before that he ran a good race for ninth in the Caulfield Cup while suffering heavy interference in the straight.

Despite the ninemonth gap, Jon Snow is fit and ready to run a strong race in tomorrow’s 1400m feature at Hastings.

‘‘Jon Snow is pretty forward for a horse that hasn’t raced in the autumn. I think he is every bit as forward as he was this time last year when he resumed in the Memsie, and he was only beaten by three lengths there,’’ Andrew Forsman told NZ Racing Desk.

The BakerForsman stable also has Francaletta and wettracker New York Minute accepted for the Tarzino.

‘‘I think Francaletta is the big improver. It was well documented she hadn’t had a trial heading into [the Foxbridge Plate] and she has improved lengths out of that, so she is always going to be competitive in this sort of race if she gets in.’’

Foxbridge Plate winner Melody Belle was made the early favourite for tomorrow’s group 1 when fixedodds markets opened. The Jamie Richardstrained mare sprinted best to nail runnerup Julius on the line after being given a great run by rider Shafiq Rusof.

Leading contenders Scott Base and Hiflyer come into tomorrow’s race without having run in the Foxbridge Plate. Hiflyer returns from an Australian run where he gained two fourth placings in good company. Scott Base has not started since March, but has had one trial ahead of his return to racing.

Grand National Hurdle winner Jackfrost proved he can do almost anything when winning on the flat at Ashburton yesterday.

The 2100m event was meant to be just a stepping stone for him before his tilt at this month’s Great Northern Hurdles.

Trainers Brian and Shane Anderton may have the grey primed for that staying test but it has not taken the sprint out of the classy 8yrold’s legs. Jackfrost unleashed a powerful burst to sprint past his rivals and score for rider Courtney Barnes.