Godolphin and Snowden strengthen Slipper hand

[Chief Stipe]

Cosmic Force was a dominant winner of the Pago Pago Stakes.

Godolphin could have half the field in next week’s Golden Slipper after Kiamichi added her name to their bulging roster with an on-pace victory in the Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill today.

Peter and Paul Snowden also strengthened their hand for the A$3.5 million race with Cosmic Force demolishing a smart field in the Pago Pago Stakes to secure the final place, joining stablemates Anaheed and Catch Me in the two-year-old feature.

Between them, Godolphin and the Snowdens could have up to 11 of the 16 Golden Slipper runners.

Peter Snowden has no doubt Cosmic Force won’t be out of place in the elite field after his seven-length win at Rosehill.

“If the track is like this next weekend, he comes right into the race,” Snowden said.”If anything, today just settles him a bit better for next week. The quick back-up won’t worry him, he’s a great doer.”

Godolphin’s Darren Beadman couldn’t wipe the smile from his face after Kiamichi joined stablemates Tenley, Microphone, Pin Sec and Exhilarates as certain Slipper starters.

They have the option to pay a late entry fee for Athiri while the Anthony Freedman-trained Blue Diamond Stakes winner Lyre is also part of the Royal Blue army.

Beadman said they were in a privileged position heading into next Saturday’s A$3.5 million race.

“It’s just a dream to have so many nice colts and lovely fillies to be presented on Golden Slipper day,” Beadman said.

Kiamichi was sent out a $21 at Rosehill but Beadman is adamant she won’t be out of place in the Slipper.

The filly took up a position on the speed and sustained her run right to the line to win the Magic Night convincingly by a length and a quarter over the fast-finishing Crystal Falls with Athiri a nose away.

“It was a very, very positive win the way she did it both ends,” Beadman said.

“She ticked another box, she can handle the ground so, look, it’s a wonderful position to be in to have the selection of horses that we’ve got in the Slipper.”

Star New Zealand filly Probabeel was last at the top of the straight but ran on well for sixth, which bodes well for upcoming assignments over longer distances.

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