News

Miss Hellfire Scores Dominant Win

Miss Hellfire

Miss Hellfire, the 3yo Daughter of Hellbent, has been a talented filly from the get go. She debuted in the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO feature race at Wyong where she ran 2nd by a neck and added that all important black type to her name. She then headed north and duly saluted on the Gold Coast in their feature race, the 2YO The Pearl which saw her qualify for the $2m 2YO Magic Millions race 7 days later. Unfortunately the quick turnaround didn’t suit her but she had displayed her class in her first couple of runs and her owners knew they had a nice career to look forward to.

Miss Hellfire storms to victory

Her win on Saturday over 1200m at Rosehill Garden’s under the guidance of Reece Jones further enhanced her credentials with her now being a 2YO & 3YO winner. Miss Hellfire is a half-sister to three other stakes class horses so talent runs through her veins.

Reece Jones and Miss Hellfire set sail for the winning post.

Congratulations to all of our owners, Reece Jones and Snowden racing!

Owners: Triple Crown Syndications., Mr R Singh, Mr J C Williams, Mr GB McDonald, Ms K Sutherland, Mr S HOUTEAS, Mr H M B Robinson, Mr B Robinson, Ms H Wood, Mr C J Kotsopoulos, Mr B M Mcara, Mrs W M Carlile, Mr R M Harvey, Mr M Van Anen, Lane Cove Missile, Mr G A Snow, Double C Syndicate

Winning owners!

Mazu Ripe To Turn Tables On Giga Kick As Tim Clark Takes Reins In Doomben 10000

By Trenton Akers – Punters.com.au

Mazu is attempting to win back to back Doomben 10,000s. Image: Grant Peters-Trackside Photography

Put a line through Mazu’s below-par performance in a “ridiculous” All Aged Stakes last month.

That is the advice from co-trainer Paul Snowden as his stable star guns for back-to-back Group 1 Doomben 10,000’s this weekend.

Stepping up to 1400m for the first time against the likes of Giga Kick and Zaaki, Snowden, who trains in partnership with his father Peter, said Mazu was brought undone by a hot speed.

Even with Mazu meeting Giga Kick again, in what will be one of the strongest Doomben 10,000’s in recent history, Snowden said he is bullish of turning the tables on The Everest winner in the Sunshine State. 

Connections have also opted for a jockey change, with Tim Clark replacing Sam Clipperton, who was in the saddle for his last win in the Doomben 10,000 last year. 

While he was beaten six lengths in the All Aged, running Giga Kick and I Wish I Win to within a length in the TJ SmithStakes over 1200m puts him right in the contest at Doomben on Saturday, Snowden believes. 

“The All Aged was over 1400m, we are back to 1200m now and we used our horse up in his first time over the longer trip (All Aged Stakes) off an aggressive speed,” he said.

Paul Snowden is confident of turning the tables on Giga Kick. Picture: Mark Evans – Getty Images.

“It was ridiculous how fast they went in that All Aged, that’s why it dragged all the backmarkers into it, the tempo was far too great. 

“It is a completely different set up this time around, he did win this race last year. 

“More importantly if the horse wasn’t going good enough, he wouldn’t be going there, so he is in good shape.”

With Godolphin set to have a three-pronged attack in the race in the form of Aft Cabin, Paulele and Vilana along with the likes of Overpass, Eduardo and Zoustyle, there will be no shortage of speed. 

While Mazu won the race after it was moved to Eagle Farm last year, Snowden said barriers will play more of a role back at Doomben. 

“Barriers will play a major role, the numbers will probably creep up a bit so gates will come into it,” he said. 

“This is it for him up here, one run then he will be back out (spelling) because it is a long time to be out for a horse that is in good order.”

Mazu is rated a $8 third favourite with TAB, behind Giga Kick ($1.90) and Aft Cabin ($6).

Mazu Ready To Peak in All Aged Stakes Showdown: Snowden

Mazu

Trainer Peter Snowden is relying on Mazu’s competitive spirit to overcome any stamina issues in the Group 1 $1.5 million Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Mazu hasn’t won beyond 1200m and he has only been as far as 1300m under race conditions once previously, raising some concerns about the gelding’s ability to run a strong 1400m at the highest level.

But Snowden is confident Mazu will get the trip as the four-year-olds strives for his first win this season.

“Mazu is very genuine and with horses like him, even when they are on ‘empty’ they keep finding,” Snowden said.

Trainer Peter Snowden (pictured left with co-trainer Paul) is confident Mazu will run the 1400m strongly in the All Aged Stakes on Saturday. Picture: AAP Image

“He ran out 1300m strongly last preparation (second to Private Eye in the Nature Strip Stakes) after having a few hard runs earlier in the spring. He should run the 1400m strongly.”

Mazu, who is trained by Snowden in partnership with his son, Paul, is at $8 in overnight betting for the All Aged Stakes, the final Group 1 race in Sydney this season with The Everest winner Giga Kick the TAB Fixed Odds favourite at $3.30.

Giga Kick is coming a close last start second to I Wish I Win in the TJ Smith Stakes two weeks ago with Mazu finishing third.

Mazu also ran third in Giga Kick’s The Everest last spring but Snowden believes his gelding can make the necessary improvement to be in the finish of the All Aged Stakes.

“I feel Mazu hasn’t peaked yet this campaign and I think his best efforts are to come – I hope it is Saturday in the All Aged,” Snowden said.

Mazu, the only sprinter so far selected for the $15 million The Everest later this year, is likely to have his autumn campaign extended beyond the All Aged Stakes.

“We will only have time to give Mazu a short spell if we take him to Brisbane again but he’s not the type of horse we want to leave in the paddock for too long,” Snowden said.

“The opportunity is there to run in the Doomben 10,000 again so will see what he does on Saturday and how he pulls up.”

The Snowden stable has designs on snaring both Group 1 races on the final day of the Sydney autumn carnival with talented Don Corleone and Make A Call in the $600,000 Champagne Stakes (1600m).

Don Corleone has contested every juvenile Group 1 races this season, finishing a luckless second in the Blue Diamond Stakes before his fourth in the Golden Slipper and last start second behind Militarize in the Inglis Sires Produce Stakes.

The Champagne looks a two-horse race with Militarize favourite at $2.20 then Don Corleone is next at $3.70. The rest of the field is at double figure odds including Make A Call at $21.

“Militarize is a good horse and he was strong to the line in the Sires,” Snowden said.

“But Don Corleone never runs a bad race, he handled the soft ground last start and travelled quite well through the going.

“He can’t be any fitter and his mindset is really good. He’s still sharp and healthy, his blood is good, his work has been excellent and I can’t see any reason why he would drop off in the Champagne.”

Make A Call had every chance to win the Fernhill Mile last week but did plenty wrong in the straight and was run down by Tom Kitten.

In frustration, Team Snowden is going back to basics with Make A Call.

Don Corleone (outside) is looking to claim the Group 1 Champagne Stakes after second placings in the Blue Diamond and Sires Produce Stakes. Picture: Grant Guy

“I’ve tried winkers, blinkers, I’ve tried everything on this horse,” Snowden said. “But everything is off him this time, he’s ‘naked’ for the Champagne.

“He’s got ability but he had an opportunity last week and should have won. Hopefully he will concentrate on his job.”

The Snowden stable is hoping the Randwick track rating continues to improve from a soft 7 rating to boost the chances of Huetor in the Group 3 $200,000 JRA Plate (2000m).

Huetor, winner of the Group 1 Doomben Cup last year, has had three starts back this preparation and is working his way back to form as indicated by his fifth to Zeyrek in the Neville Sellwood Stakes last start.

“He’s ticking over well and is just about cherry ripe,” Snowden said.

“His work has been very good during the week and I expect him to run well as long as we don’t get too heavy a track on Saturday.

“We plan to take him back to Brisbane for the Hollindale Stakes and Doomben Cup.”

Snowden also has a Brisbane winter carnival campaign in mind for another import, Substantial, a dual acceptor at the Randwick meeting.

Substantial is an emergency for the Petaluma Handicap (1400m) but Snowden indicated he is leaning to running the horse in the Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1200m).

Imported gelding Huetor is ready to peak fourth-up in the JRA Plate. Picture: Grant Guy

Snowden noticed Substantial raced keenly when making his Australian debut over 1400m at Rosehill late last month, finishing fifth to Tamerlane, and believes the gelding is better suited in the 1200m sprint on Saturday.

“Substantial went a bit too keen at Rosehill,” Snowden said. “He was only even late, he didn’t lose ground, he didn’t make ground.

“The 1200m might be the better race because it will be run at a stronger tempo and he won’t be pulling as hard.

“He’s a very nice horse, he has racing very well at a consistent level in England last preparation, and his work has been absolutely brilliant since his first run for us.

“This is his first preparation and most imported horses usually do better second time through but he is showing me only good signs and we hope to get him to Brisbane for the carnival. He’s a very exciting horse.”

Snowden stable stalwart Ranges resumes in the Group 3 $200,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m).

“Ranges loves wet ground, he’s got a good draw and he’s quite forward for this race,” Snowden said.

“He’s been a very good horse for his owners. He’s no champion but he’s won over $600,000 prizemoney and he comes up every preparation.”

By Ray Thomas

News Limited

Interstate Group Racing

A big weekend of racing for the team in red gets underway tonight at Moonee Valley. Race 5 will see last start Group 2 winner, REVOLUTIONARY MISS, line up in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes over the mile. She has been in super form this preparation and what a result it would be if she can knock over back-to-back Group 2 wins before heading to the paddock before targeting Group 1 racing again in the Brisbane Carnival. She has drawn a nice barrier with gate 5 and she is reunited with Mick Dee who has won on her before.

Revolutionary Miss wins the Group 2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington

The team’s focus on Saturday is back in Sydney and begins at Rosehill with 6yo stalwart, RANGES, who is first-up after his spell and contesting the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes (a race we previously won with our old Champ Hot Snitzel). He will need luck after drawing a terrible barrier with gate 16 but he is such an honest horse who always gives his best and talented hoop, Mark Zhara will be doing his best to navigate a good run for him.

It is then PIEROSSA’S turn to take centre stage in her first crack at Group 1 level in the Vinery Stud Stakes. This is also her first attempt over the 2000m which will be very interesting to see. Her jockey Sam Clipperton has had a great association with her for a long time now and has been chomping at the bit to get her up over this journey. We would over the moon to see Pierossa run in the top 3 in this race and solid showing will see her progress to the Group 1 Australian Oaks over 2400m next start.

Pierossa wins the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle

Whilst there is some big racing going on at Rosehill, the team’s focus will be shifting to Wyong mid-afternoon to watch 2YO BELYAEV make her race debut. She has trialled beautifully going into this race and if she is lucky enough to get some early luck from a tricky barrier 9, she should be right in this race up to her ears.

Enjoy a great weekend of racing!

Revolutionary Miss Shows Class in Group 2 Kewney Stakes

Consistent in the elite fillies races this season and second in the Group I MRC Thousand Guineas last spring, Russian Revolution filly Revolutionary Miss scored a well-deserved win in the Group II VRC Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, but the victory was not without drama.

Revolutionary Miss wins the Gr2 Kewney Stakes. Image: Grant Courtney

Travelling strongly behind the leaders under Mark Zahra, Revolutionary Miss had to change course seeking clear ground and in so doing caused significant interference to several runners.

She hit the line hard when clear to win by a head over progressive Toronado (IRE) filly Papillon Club.

Peter Snowden was thrilled with the win and indicated the Group I ATC Doncaster in April might be a possibility for the talented filly.

“She’s a tough filly and been a G1 bridesmaid twice in the Blue Diamond and Thousand Guineas, so a Group II win is everything for this filly and these owners,” said Snowden.

“She’ll go back to Sydney now and there are a few options, three year-old fillies can run well in the Doncaster.”

Revolutionary Miss basks in that winning glow. Image: Grant Courtney

With two wins and four placings from 12 starts three seconds, Revolutionary Miss has already won over $900,000 in prizemoney for her big group of owners.

A $195,000 Magic Millions purchase for Triple Crown Syndications from the Sledmere Stud draft, Revolutionary Miss was bred by China Horse Club and is a half-sister to stakes-winner Equation from stakes-placed Onemorenomore mare Purcentage.

Purcentage had a colt last spring by Savabeel and was then covered again by Newgate Farm’s young gun Russian Revolution, who is leading the second crop sires by winners and earnings. She is the fifth stakes-winner this season for Russian Revolution.

Breednet

Tara Madgwick – Saturday March 11

Red-hot run continues as Nullify makes it two on the trot

Triple Crown’s red-hot start to 2023 continued on Wednesday when NULLIFY made it three winners from our last four runners with a gutsy victory at Gosford. 

Fresh from winning her maiden only nine days ago, Nullify wasted no time in adding a second career victory to her burgeoning CV, showing a great turn of foot to score by a head and take her career earnings past the $100,000 mark. 

Given a great ride by Mitchell Bell, Nullify settled in midfield off a hot early speed, with the leaders setting a solid tempo throughout the 1600m contest. 

The daughter of Epaulette began to improve her position as the field approached the turn for home, and once Bell pushed the button in the straight, Nullify quickened impressively and quickly surged to the front with a furlong to run. 

On what was only her second attempt at the mile, Nullify had to dig deep to fend off the late charge of Every Effort in the closing stages, but the Peter & Paul Snowden-trained mare found plenty to make it two wins on the bounce. 

Nullify and Mitchell Bell admire their work as they make their way back to the winner’s enclosure – Bradley Photos

The ultra-consistent Nullify is enjoying the best preparation of her career, finishing in the top three in all six of her starts this campaign. Congratulations to Mitchell Bell, all the team at Snowden Racing and all her adoring owners, whose patience is well and truly paying off!

Nullify was purchased by Chris & Michael Ward for $70,000 from the Ashleigh Thoroughbreds draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. 

To view Triple Crown’s purchases from this year’s Magic Millions sale, please click here

Nullify and Mitchell Bell team up again for their second win in succession – Bradley Photos

Double delight for the red army makes it a weekend to remember

The Triple Crown team had plenty of cause for celebration over the weekend after Ironbark Artie and Pole Position provided the red army with a winning double. 

The ultra-consistent IRONBARK ARTIE was first to strike at Kembla Grange on Saturday, where he showed toughness and tenacity in spades to fend off the sustained challenge of race favourite Ottilie in a ding-dong battle up the straight. 

Ironbark Artie and Andrew Adkins get the chocolates at Kembla Grange – Bradley Photos

Ridden to perfection by Andrew Adkins, Ironbark Artie was always within striking distance of the leaders and cruised into contention turning for home. The son of Flying Artie hit the front a fair way out, but despite wondering under pressure, he continued to respond to his jockeys urgings and held on gamely to score by a head. 

A $30,000 purchase from the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, Ironbark Artie has been a model of consistency for his terrific group of owners and has now won or placed in seven of his nine career starts

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained three-year-old has also developed a real affinity for Kembla Grange, and is yet to finish outside the top two in four career starts down in Wollongong. 

A happy group of owners following Ironbark Artie’s win at Kembla Grange – Bradley Photos

Positioned to perfection

Less than 24 hours later, the champagne corks were popping once again after POLE POSITION got Sunday off to a flyer with a determined success in the opener at Wyong. 

Having his first start for the Joe Pride stable, Pole Position didn’t have things all his own way in the early stages and was made to work before crossing to sit outside the leader. 

The son of Astern travelled beautifully throughout the 1100m contest and was produced at the perfect moment by Chad Schofield, who got his head in front where it mattered most to score a gutsy 0.15L victory. 

Pole Position is another member of the Triple Crown team who rarely disappoints, having finished in the quinella in five of his eight career starts to date. 

He will now have his sights raised, with his trainer indicating that a tilt at metropolitan class is likely to be the next port of call for the progressive four-year-old. 

“It was a really good win for him today first-up,” Pride said in his post-race debrief. 

“It’s easy to say now, but Chad made a really good decision to roll forward, get comfortable and get into a nice rhythm. He finished off really well and I was really impressed with the fight he showed late in the race. 

“We’ll see how he pulls up and probably give him at least two weeks between runs, but we’ll probably take him to a midweek now.”

Triple Crown’s Michael Ward getting the lowdown from Chad Schofield for the owners who weren’t able to make it to the track – Bradley Photos

Pole Position was purchased by Triple Crown’s Chris & Michael Ward for $50,000 from the Aquis Farm draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2020. 

There are only a few shares remaining in some of this year’s Magic Millions purchases, and off the back of a red-hot weekend there has never been a better time to join the Triple Crown team in racehorse ownership. 

Be sure to head to our Available Syndicates page on the website for all the latest info on our recent purchases, or alternatively Click Here to register your interest and have one of our team contact you to discuss the process. 

Congratulations to all the teams at both Snowden Racing and Pride Racing, as well as both sets of owners in Ironbark Artie and Pole Position!

More happy owners! Pole Position’s connections are all smiles following his second career success – Bradley Photos

Triple Crown owners chase Magic payday in million dollar race

Triple Crown’s loveable chestnut RANGES will bid to write another chapter in his remarkable story when he races for a million dollars in Saturday’s inaugural The Syndicate on the Gold Coast.

A great new initiative introduced by Magic Millions, the $1m The Syndicate is a race restricted to Magic Millions-purchased horses aged three and above and who have a minimum of 20 registered owners. 

Ever since it was announced last year, The Syndicate has been firmly on the radar for Ranges, and we are delighted to have secured the services of leading jockey Tommy Berry, who has won on him three times previously, including once at Stakes level. 

Photo: Ranges and Tommy Berry after winning the Listed Hinkler Handicap

Ranges is the perfect example of the fun you can have when joining the Triple Crown team in one of our purchases from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

The son of Shooting To Win was purchased for $140,000 back in 2018 and has continued to improve with age and experience. He has earned $600,000 (and counting!) in prizemoney for his owners, winning time-honoured races like the Listed Ramornie Handicap at Grafton in the process, while his career record of 8 wins and 19 placings from 39 career starts is a testament to his consistency and love for racing. 

He is a credit to his fantastic group of owners and all the team at Snowden Racing, who have done a terrific job bringing him through the grades. 

A win on Saturday would see Ranges’ career earnings smash through the $1,000,000 mark, and although he has to overcome the widest barrier of all, history tells us that you should never underestimate Ranges!

Best of luck to Snowden Racing and all his owners, many of whom will be at the Gold Coast on Saturday ready to roar him home!

Photo: Ranges’ owners celebrate his first Stakes success. Hopefully there will be similar scenes on the Gold Coast come Saturday! – Michael McInally 

Feel the Force!

The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale has started with a bang, and Triple Crown’s Chris & Michael Ward are grinning like cheshire cats this evening!

That’s because they secured their number one pick of the opening session – an absolutely ripping colt by the record-breaking two-year-old COSMIC FORCE.

Photo: Just look at the strong chest and forearm, as well as the powerful hindquarter, on this outstanding Cosmic Force colt!

“This colt was an absolute standout and a must have. He is sheer quality and one to target at next year’s Magic Millions 2YO race. We couldn’t be more excited to have secured him.”

Chris Ward

This colt screams speed, strength and power! He is out of a mare by Champion Sire Fastnet Rock, just like multiple Group 1 winner SANTA ANA LANE and last year’s Group 1 Flight Stakes heroine ZOUGOTCHA. Only mares by multiple Champion Broodmare sire Encosta De Lago produced more individual Stakes winners than Fastnet Rock mares last year!

His sire, COSMIC FORCE, was trained by Peter & Paul Snowden to win the Pago Pago Stakes (by a record 7.3L) and the Roman Consul Stakes (in race-record time!), a race which has been won by champion stallions Exceed and Excel, Fastnet Rock, Zoustar, and Russian Revolution.

The red-hot Snowden Racing team will also train this colt, so he couldn’t be in better hands!

Video: Peter Snowden and James McDonald share their thoughts on Cosmic Force.

This colt was also purchased from the same breeders that bred our Group 2 winner and Blue Diamond runner-up REVOLUTIONARY MISS, and when Chris & Michael Ward first saw him during their on-farm inspections last month, he gave them the very same wow factor!

Video: Michael Ward on why they simply had to have the Cosmic Force ex Joseph’s Coat colt.

As with all our Magic Millions purchases, this colt is bound to sell out fast, so be sure to register your interest and be first in line to receive all the relevant information by clicking on the link below!

Ramornie winner nearly on way out before remarkable turnaround

Ranges on his way to victory
Ranges is set to carry on where he left off when he resumes. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty Images.

Randwick trainer Paul Snowden didn’t mince his words when talking what he thought the future held just over 12 months ago for this year’s Ramornie winner Ranges.

The six-year-old son of Shooting To Win has been one of the real surprise packets in Australian racing over the past year, after Snowden revealed he was close to being listed on the Inglis Digital sale platform.

“He was threatened to get the sack,” Snowden, who trains in partnership with his father Peter, said.

“He was gone, running around in Benchmark 64s at Kembla and then all of a sudden, he came good.

“Maybe he’s like Mister Ed and understands English and heard the report saying, ‘this is it. If he doesn’t start pulling his finger out he’s gone’.

“He was deadset gone then he resumed at The Gong meeting last year and since then, different horse. That was the turning point.

“Now he’s won two Listed races and you wouldn’t find a more consistent horse.

“You don’t often see them turn it around as five-year-olds like he did.

“He’s a real head scratcher but in the best way possible.

To give some perspective to the change in fortunes for the owners of Ranges, the gelding had 25 starts and earned just over $160,000 in his first 25 starts from June 2019 until the end of the 2020/21 season.

Since then he’s had another two campaigns, 12 starts later he’s a two-time stakes winner and he’s earned just sky of another $430,000.

“Now he’s that confident he carries on now like he’s Black Caviar,” Snowden said. 

“He gets the tail up and he’s as confident as they get.

“The way he’s been carrying on around the stables tells me he’s ready to carry on from where he left off.”

Ranges is set to kick off his latest campaign in a 900m barrier trial at Canterbury on Tuesday with the Magic Millions Raceday on the Gold Coast on January 14 his main target.

“I think he’s down to resume in the Razor Sharp but the Gold Coast is where it’s at for him,” Snowden said.

“He’s going up there for the new Syndication race, 1200m, weight-for-age and worth a million.

Meanwhile, this year’s Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner King Of Sparta is also set to trial on Tuesday and again bounce for the Gold Coast in January.

“He’s had a good break and come back well,” Snowden said.

“He’ll go first-up in the Razor Sharp then depending on how he looks and how he runs there will determine if he has another run before Magic Millions Day.

“We’re looking at nominating him for both, the Cup (1400m) and the Snippets (1200m) and then decide which way we go closer to the day.”

By Clinton Payne

Racenet