The notion that one should approach information with a degree of skepticism is often valid, and this applies to the recent stewards’ report regarding Nitro.
While the report suggested that the colt’s ‘manners’ were the reason for his last-start defeat as favourite, trainer Peter Snowden has provided a different explanation for his fourth placing at Randwick over 1400m on June 6.
“There is nothing wrong with his manners, he’s a perfect gentleman,” Snowden confirmed.
“He had head gear and he pulled. All the talk was that we had him up close, we tried that and all he did was pull the whole way. That is not like him and there was a lot of merit in the run.”
The promising three-year-old is set to race in the Schweppes Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, where he is the $3 favourite with bookmakers. Tommy Berry will be riding the son of Deep Field for the first time on race day, having partnered him in two barrier trials leading up to his winning debut.
“The visors have come off him and we’ve put the winkers on just to make him focus,” Snowden explained.
“He’s a lazy horse at home so just so he doesn’t switch off too much but certainly not to be pulling like last time. On the day he just pulled a bit, that’s all.”
Snowden also has Xidaki, a five-year-old gelding, returning from a lengthy spell for the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1200m). The horse is being considered for the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) at Sunshine Coast on July 4.
The blinkers are being removed from the five-year-old gelding, who is racing for the first time since January 10.
“He’s a very consistent horse but just last few preps have been just below that he normally does,” Snowden stated.
“So, I thought a good long spell might just bring back to his straps. I’ve been happy with his two trials but it does take a while to get them up to peak fitness after a long break. Unfortunately he has drawn a really bad gate (15) but I just want him to show us that eagerness and keenness that he had.”
Those interested in betting on Nitro’s upcoming race can check the latest racing odds at betting sites.