Trainer Peter Snowden has opted to bypass a clash with stablemate Raging Force in the San Domenico Stakes, instead steering Grand Prairie towards the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday, complete with a key gear adjustment.

Snowden considered starting both colts in the 1100m San Domenico but admitted Raging Force would likely have the upper hand over the shorter journey. With that in mind, Grand Prairie will stretch out to 1300m and race without winkers for the first time in several starts.

“He is a very laidback horse, very lazy in his work. That’s why I added winkers to his gear and that really does spark him up,” Snowden said.

“I’ve taken them off him on Saturday because if he can settle in the race like he does in his work at home he will be a great chance.”

Grand Prairie enters the Up And Coming Stakes with solid form, having resumed with a Kensington win in July before finishing runner-up twice in Saturday grade, including last start behind Skyhook in the Listed Rosebud (1100m).

Snowden acknowledged the rising standard of three-year-old races on the path to the Golden Rose (1400m), and believes Saturday’s race represents the right opportunity for black-type success.

“He was beaten fair and square the other day and a pretty handy horse beat him but we had fitness on our side, heavy going and the other horse had 60 kilos who won,” Snowden said.

“It made me think maybe he’s not quite good enough for those really good horses.

“The horse of Gerald (Ryan’s, Skyhook) is a good horse the way he won, but you’re going to meet more of them and maybe going a bit further (in distance) will help.

“I’ve had horses similar to him and I’ve done the same thing and it has come off.”

The Up And Coming Stakes has attracted a select field of eight, with Central Coast withdrawn after trialling at Rosehill on Thursday.

Punters following Grand Prairie in the Up And Coming Stakes can find odds and promotions through leading betting sites.