Snowden: Empire of Japan has “perfect” barrier in MM2YO Classic

[Wandering Eyes]

Top jockey James McDonald pictured winning the Breeders’ Plate aboard Empire Of Japan for Peter and Paul Snowden at Randwick on October 1 last year.

Paul Snowden believes Magic Millions 2YO Classic favourite Empire Of Japan starting from barrier 11 will be “perfect” for him in the 1200m feature at Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday.

Last year’s convincing Breeders’ Plate winner might be a good-value option for punters, with $5 winning odds across betting sites.

And Snowden has plenty of faith his talented colt can get the job done from his starting lane, with top jockey James McDonald aboard.

“Empire’s fine. He’s just drawn a touch inside-middle, so that’s perfect for him,” he told HorseBetting.com.au.

“He’ll jump, balance and improve in the middle part of the race.

“Once they all settle down and find their spots, he’s got a good turn of foot.”

Snowden has been delighted with his young sprinter’s work on the track after his third-placed finish in the $150,000 Drinkwise Plate at Randwick on December 24.

Fire Lane (for Brad Widdup) and Platinum Jubilee (Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott) finished ahead of him that day, and they have respective odds of $19 and $7.50 heading into Saturday.

“Very happy with where he (Empire Of Japan) is at. He’s had a good three weeks under his belt since his return, and he’s ready to go on Saturday,” Snowden said.

Snowden – together with his father Peter – are renowned conditioners of young horses.

They have trained the winners of all the feature juvenile races including two Golden Slippers, three Blue Diamonds, five ATC Sires Produce Stakes, five Champagne Stakes, two JJ Atkins Stakes and a Magic Millions.

So it comes as no surprise that Sovereign Fund is also one of the main Magic Millions 2YO Classic chances, with $6 winning odds.

He won both the Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic, followed by the Zousain First Yearlings Selling 2023 2YO Handicap at Doomben on December 31, in comfortable fashion.

Snowden has faith he can remain unbeaten despite drawing the 17 barrier.

“He’s good. Nice and healthy, and had a good couple of weeks since his last win,” he said.

“So we’re happy with where he’s at.

“He was impressive both times. He hasn’t gone backwards – he’s just got to hold that form.

“I know he’s drawn a touch awkward, but he’s an on-speed horse and he should hopefully jump and get across relatively well, and give himself every chance.”

And despite being given winning odds of $26, Snowden said don’t write off Godfather’s chances from barrier 20.

He finished fourth in the Drinkwise Plate.

“He’s probably the forgotten horse a little bit. He was a bit aggressive in his second-up run behind Empire Of Japan,” Snowden said.

“But just through that effort early and mid-race it told late.

“So he’s got a little bit of gear to fix up that little issue.

“Offset by the bad draw, but if his stablemate goes forward with a little bit of intent, it might just help him get across on his coattails to give him a position early.

“But it’s one of those races – it doesn’t matter where you draw, you still need luck on the day.”

Snowden said Platinum Jubilee and Fire Lane were the horses to beat.

“Platinum Jubilee is a lovely filly, and Brad’s horse Fire Lane. I know she’s drawn a touch awkward (barrier 15) as well, but they’ve met some good form along the way,” he said.

“You’ve just got to follow the form through these two-year-old races because that generally turns out the best.”

Russian Conquest has $4.60 winning odds for the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas over 1425m, again with McDonald in the saddle.

She was an impressive runner-up to Anavinci first-up over 1200m in the Gosford Guineas on December 28.

“Lovely return. Second-up looks ideal for her,” Snowden said.

Snowden also likes the look of his colt Getty from barrier four in The Debut 2YO Plate over 900m.

“Nice horse. He trialed well and has travelled up in good order. He’s drawn well which will help him,” he said.

King Of Sparta will also start the $1.90 favourite in the Magic Millions Snippets over 1200m.

The four-year-old gelding was a last-start winner in the Magic Millions Falvelon over the same distance at Doomben on December 24.

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