Trainer Peter Snowden is optimistic for a sequel to success with skilful three-year-old colt Beadman, who faces the Group Three Gold Coast Guineas at the site of his career highlight.
During last year’s matching program, the Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) witnessed the colt’s dazzling eight-length demolition job, paving the way for his first appearance back there in Saturday’s 1200m event.
“He’s a good traveller and going back to the scene of the best win he’s ever had, so hopefully he can replicate that on Saturday,” Snowden said.
The current campaign has brought a blend of outcomes for Beadman, including a resilient triumph upon return in the Fireball Quality (1100m) at Randwick, trailed by non-placing finishes in the Darby Munro Stakes (1200m) and Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m).
Positioned wide in his latest race, he battled on before stopping, resulting in a trial stint for Snowden to evaluate revised riding approaches.
“From those wide gates, we’ve been compelled to go forward on him, and I don’t think it’s the way to ride him,” he said.
“A bit more conservative might be the way to go.
“He won that day at the Gold Coast by (almost) ten lengths by jumping and leading, but I think it was a false read because the track was a bog. He is a good wet tracker, a lot of horses didn’t handle it and he did, and he just got further and further in front, so he might have been a bit flattered by the track.
“In my mind, his best runs have been when he’s just sitting off the speed.”
In a display of loyalty, jockey James McDonald sticks with Beadman from stall eight in the field of 16.
Snowden’s Guineas record shines, with four wins from 20 recent instalments, the latest courtesy of Marboosha back in 2021.
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