Peter Snowden is adamant that Touristic is bright and healthy, and he anticipates the horse will prove his fitness at Rosehill, despite a subpar result last start.
Touristic, who began his campaign in the Festival Stakes (1500m) in November, will be making his tenth appearance of the preparation in Saturday’s W J McKell Cup (2000m).
This is a demanding schedule that few horses could handle, but Touristic has thrived, winning the Canberra Cup in March and placing in the January and Gosford Cups.
While he was convincingly beaten in the Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at his most recent outing, Snowden suggested it was a result of how the race unfolded rather than an indication that the gelding was ready for a spell.
“Things didn’t work out,” Snowden commented. “We’ve learned from that. It’s all about riding him the right way. Ride him to his strengths, and he’ll run really well.”
A six-time winner, Touristic has achieved five of his victories on rain-affected tracks, and Snowden is hopeful that he will encounter suitable conditions on Saturday.
Snowden believes that if the track conditions are to his liking, all signs from the stable point towards a rapid return to form for the seven-year-old.
“I would like to see the track a little wetter, but they are forecasting a few showers on Saturday. A five, six or seven is perfect for him,” he said. “He can turn this around on Saturday, no problem. He loves racing, and he’s in really good shape.”
Following the scratching of Rotagilla, who will instead race in Brisbane, Touristic will face a field of nine rivals. Among them are the 2024 McKell Cup winner Golden Path, the in-form God’s Window, and the improving stayer Tavros, trained by Craig Martin of Tamworth.
Compare racing betting markets for the W J McKell Cup at leading bookmakers.