Peter Snowden is keen to give Fire Star another crack at black-type success before the autumn heavyweights return, backing the gelding up in the JRA Plate at Rosehill where a drop in distance is expected to suit.

Fire Star stretched out to 1400 metres for the first time in last weekend’s Carrington Stakes and after looming at the top of the Randwick straight, weakened late to finish fifth behind Sandpaper.

Back to 1200 metres on Saturday and returning to a track where he has won three of four starts, Snowden believes the five-year-old is well placed to be competitive.

“He just struggled with the 1400,” Snowden said of his Carrington Stakes run.

“But he’s such a tough bugger, I threw his name in the hat for this race, and he’s come up with a good draw and no weight on his back.

“He’s not out of it back to 1200 and he is rock-hard fit now.”

Fire Star has drawn barrier three in a field that includes Arrowfield 3YO Sprint winner Enriched, last year’s winner Willaidow and Queensland raider Zarastro.

With the feature sprints approaching, Snowden sees Saturday’s assignment as an ideal opportunity before giving the gelding a short break.

“That’s what I was counting on,” he said.

“The Expressway and those sort of races come to hand quickly and it will be a good time to give him a breather while they’re around and come back towards the backend of the carnival and through the Hawkesbury and Scone races.

“He has run well in Listed and Group Three races before.

“He is a very tough horse. Very genuine and you always get value for money with him.”

Those following the JRA Plate can review the latest betting markets for the race ahead of Saturday’s contest.

The post Snowden sprinter poised to Fire in Rosehill back-up first appeared on Just Horse Racing.